ZAMBOANGA CITY - The outbreak of the African swine fever here has affected at least 130 hog raisers as the local government battle the spread of the virus which is deadly to pigs.
The Office of the City Veterinarian said nearly 400 pigs were culled in recent weeks in the villages of Pasonanca, Bunguiao, Mangusu, Curuan and Manicahan to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The African swine fever virus has affected some 133 hog raisers here, racking up an estimated loss of P1.9 million,” said City Veterinarian Dr. Mario Arriola, but he assured hog raisers that the local government will provide them assistance to cushion the impact of their losses.
The Bureau of Animal Industry has placed Zamboanga City under so-called “Red Zone” category meaning hog and pork products from here cannot be shipped out or transported to other places.
Arriola said upon the order of Mayor Beng Climaco, they activated a task force which shall oversee the efforts in controlling the spread of the African swine fever. He said additional quarantine stations were put up in various villagers to ensure no infected hogs are transported from areas affected by the African swine fever.
He said as part of the guidelines regulating the transfer and movement of pork products, only those with veterinary certificates and meat inspection certifications shall be allowed to pass the quarantine checkpoints, particularly in the village of Limpapa which borders Zamboanga del Norte province, and in Licomo village bordering Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Arriola noted that border control will be particularly strict on returning residents, especially those who carry pork products whether they are cooked or not.
“We are very strict on bringing pork products from Manila or Davao, especially meats, because Davao and Luzon areas are also under Red Zone,” he said.
Arriola emphasized that the African swine fever virus has no effect on humans, but is fatal to hogs. “ASF is not a human threat, however, it is particularly devastating to the hog industry as it is highly contagious with no treatment nor vaccination available, and will result in 100% mortality for infected herds within two days of infection,” he explained. “It is okay to consume pork as long as this comes from authorized slaughterhouses and have pass government inspection. I keep saying this, if in doubt, do not buy or ask for meat inspection certificate issued for the day,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
