Manila: The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in Iloilo is urging swine farmers to remain calm and enforce strict biosecurity measures following new confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in Capiz. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada emphasized the importance of not panicking and reinforcing farm biosecurity protocols that have been in place since the ASF outbreak in Iloilo in 2022.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Tabuada highlighted that strong biosecurity measures are crucial to preventing ASF from infiltrating farms. These measures include maintaining a perimeter fence around pigpens, implementing footbaths, and regulating entry and exit points. Farmers are required to change clothes and footwear before entering and leaving the perimeter area, and swill feeding, which involves feeding pigs with food scraps and waste, is strictly prohibited.

While acknowledging the real threat posed by the new ASF cases in Capiz, Dr. Tabuada advised against closing borders or imposing bans on animal movement. He assured that animals from Negros Occidental could still be transported to Iloilo, provided they are healthy. Prior to the issuance of movement permits by the Bureau of Animal Industry, a certificate confirming ASF-free status from the source is mandatory, along with a veterinary health certificate certifying that the animal or meat is disease-free.

Dr. Tabuada noted that there is currently no swine movement from Capiz to Iloilo, with most movements occurring from Negros Occidental to Iloilo and Capiz. Border control efforts are concentrated on seaports in Dumangas, Estancia, and Bay-ang, Ajuy. ASF cases have been identified in Roxas City and the towns of Pontevedra and Panitan in Capiz, which are located near Iloilo's northern region. Coastal barangays have been alerted to monitor and prevent any swine movement from infected areas.