Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to enhance its inspection checkpoints in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding provinces to curb the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI). This strategic move is part of a broader effort to protect the local livestock and poultry industries, as well as public health and food security, as stated by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa emphasized the importance of Metro Manila as a critical location for monitoring the entry and exit of hogs, thereby preventing the transmission of transboundary diseases. This initiative is not only intended to ensure a stable supply during the holiday season but also to prevent the spread of these diseases to other regions. As of November 5, 532 out of 11,250 shipments inspected at 14 sites in and around Metro Manila were apprehended.

In addition to increasing inspection checkpoint
s, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will evaluate gaps within quarantine points to maintain stringent measures against ASF and AI. Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the severe economic impact of ASF, avian influenza, and other diseases on the livestock and poultry industries, underscoring the necessity for rigorous disease management protocols.

The DA is also advancing its government-controlled vaccination efforts among healthy and ASF-negative hogs in Batangas, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Laguna, employing AVAC live vaccines. As of November 8, 465 barangays in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Soccsksargen remain under red zones due to active ASF cases. Meanwhile, for avian influenza, only one barangay in San Luis, Pampanga has an active case nationwide as of November 15.