Toledo adopts Capitol’s order on ASF crisis

CEBU, Philippines —  The Toledo City government has adopted the province’s executive order establishing biosecurity and control measures to prevent the African Swine Fever and other swine diseases within Cebu.

Toledo City Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales said that the city is one with the provincial government in its approach in resolving the Asian Swine Fever crisis.

The governor’s EO No. 10-2023 issued on March 21 was set to establish the biosecurity and control measures to be implemented in the Province of Cebu for the prevention of ASF and other swine diseases in the province.

Under the EO, all border controls and ASF Zoning Regulations are lifted adding there shall be a free movement of pigs and pork products within Cebu Province, but is subject to some guidelines.

It said that live pigs from backyard farms should have a duly accomplished backyard swine registration form and veterinary health certificate is issued by the respective LGU veterinarian.

While for live pigs from commercial farms, a veterinary health certificate issued by the farm veterinarian and prior concurrence issued by respective LGU veterinarian is needed.

It added that confirmed ASF positive pigs shall be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian and the dead pigs shall be buried at least one meter below the ground by the owner under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The local veterinary and agricultural personnel of LGUs of Cebu Province shall also conduct disease surveillance and monitoring of swine health population in backyard farms, commercial farms, and stockyards, including those found in livestock markets and livestock holding facilities.

It added that swine raisers shall segregate and isolate sick pigs from healthy ones and pigs isolated from the rest of the herd shall be monitored daily by a Barangay Animal Health Aide.

Also, the use of swill (lamaw) to feed pigs shall be absolutely prohibited as well as slaughtering of pigs outside slaughterhouses.

The governor, in a separate memorandum, has directed that samples from blood, serum, tissue or any other organ shall only be collected by the properly trained Municipal Agriculturist or City Veterinarian or their authorized personnel are allowed to conduct Asian Swine Fever testing on hogs.

The governor, who claimed that Cebu will take a more evidence-based approach to the ASF, said in her newly-issued memorandum that no person, entity or other government agency shall be allowed to conduct random tests on pigs other than the authorized personnel.

“Sugod karong Huwebes, March 23, makapanumod na tag balik og baboy sa Mantalongon Livestock Market. Kinahanglan lang maka-present og Veterinary Health Certificate for Backyard Swine Farm aron makapanumod,” Barili Mayor Pablo John "John-John" Garcia IV announced in his Facebook page.

One can get this certificate at the Municipal Veterinary Office at the municipal hall or at the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office at Capitol. — GAN (FREEMAN)