Zambo tightens ASF monitoring

IN AN effort to prevent the entry of the virus which causes the deadly African swine fever in hogs, Mayor Beng Climaco established the ASF Prevention and Control Committee in response to the viral outbreaks in Luzon and some parts of Mindanao.

A photo from the Office of the City Veterinarian shows a veterinary worker inspecting a truck transporting live hogs in Zamboanga City.

Climaco issued Executive Order No. BC 596-2020 which underscores the need for the immediate adoption of the National African Swine Fever prevention program to protect Zamboanga from the dreaded animal disease and protect the swine industry and stakeholders.

The ASF Prevention and Control Committee shall be chaired by the City Veterinarian and composed of the following members: the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, City Agriculturist, City Health Officer, and City Environment and Natural Resources Officer.

Also forming part of the ASF Prevention and Control Committee are representatives from the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry – Veterinary Quarantine Office, National Meat Inspection, Food and Drug Administration, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Philippine Ports Authority, Zamboanga City Police Office, Task Force Zamboanga and the Philippine Coast Guard as well as the president of Zamboanga City Hog Raisers, Regional Advisory Committee on Animal Diseases Control and Eradication, and the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association – Western Mindanao Chapter.

Five teams of varying composition shall assist the ASF Prevention and Control Committee and shall be responsible for the conduct of regular surveillance activities; the immediate diagnosis of suspected premises and initiation of stamping out procedures and the implementation of the prescribed biosecurity measures and regulation or prohibition of animal and human movement.

And also the periodic identification and consolidation of data related to swine population and swine holding operations, as well as the information, education and communication of all matters, updates and preventive strategies.

Climaco said all concerned local and national government agencies, and all barangays here, including stakeholders and other concerned sectors, are directed to be more vigilant in reporting any occurrence or suspicion of the disease in their areas and to provide all necessary assistance to the different ASF teams deployed there.

Smuggling of pork, pork by-products, and processed meat products shall also be promptly reported to the Philippine Coast Guard or the Zamboanga City Police Office.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health, the ASF virus is transmitted by direct contact, ingestion of garbage or swill feeds containing unprocessed infected pig meat or pig meat products, ticks and biting flies, and contaminated premises, vehicles, equipment and clothing.

While not a human health threat, the ASF is capable of annihilating the entire swine industry. As of yet, no vaccine or treatment exists to combat the virus. But stringent importation policies, early detection and strict biosecurity measures are being carried out to ensure Zamboanga City remains ASF-free. (Claudine Uniana and Zamboanga Post)

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