By Rowena Cruz Healthy finisher pigs on a commercial farm in Luzon, the Philippines. (Vincent ter Beek) LUCENA CITY, Quezon - African Sw...
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| Healthy finisher pigs on a commercial farm in Luzon, the Philippines. (Vincent ter Beek) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - African Swine Fever (ASF) has devastated hog populations and livelihoods across the globe. In the Philippines, the disease has posed a significant threat to the agricultural sector, impacting both small-scale farmers and larger commercial operations. Determined to protect its vital hog industry, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in Quezon is taking proactive steps to combat the disease and help farmers recover.
To combat this threat and support local hog raisers, the Office has launched a comprehensive educational campaign, bringing crucial information and support directly to the affected communities. This campaign includes a series of seminars being held in barangays hit by ASF last year. These seminars focus on crucial steps for ASF prevention, control, and recovery, aiming to guide hog raisers in safeguarding their livestock and preventing the disease's resurgence.
The seminar series, which began in November, is ongoing in various parts of the province, led by Dr. Adelberto Ambrosio and Dr. Flamelia Caguigla, the seminars provide expert knowledge to local hog raisers. Earlier seminars in Tiaong, San Antonio, Dolores, and Gumaca covered proper ASF prevention processes, including hygiene and disinfection measures. Experts also discussed steps to take in case of an outbreak and strategies for recovery.
In the coming weeks, the seminars will continue in barangays in General Luna, Macalelon, and Mauban to expand their reach and assist hog raisers in these areas in recovering from the impact of ASF. The goal is to reach every affected barangay and provide hog raisers with the information and resources they need to rebuild their livelihoods.
As part of the agency's support, disinfectants and detergents were distributed to hog raisers to help them sanitize their piggeries and ensure the safety of their animals. The distribution is intended to aid in preventing further outbreaks. "Providing these essential supplies is just one way we are supporting our hog raisers in their recovery," said Dr. Caguigla.
According to the latest report from the Bureau of Animal Industry, only three barangays in Atimonan and Gumaca have active ASF cases in the province. This indicates progress in controlling the disease and highlights the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.
In addition to the seminars, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian is also providing free ASF testing and consultations. Farmers can bring their pigs to designated checkpoints for testing and receive immediate advice from veterinary professionals.
The agency is also working with local government units to establish ASF-free zones in the province, which will help boost consumer confidence and revitalize the local hog industry. "Our goal is to not only control ASF but to also ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of hog raising in our province," Dr. Caguigla added.
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