Coordination needed in addressing ASF in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has encouraged coordination in addressing the African swine fever (ASF) virus that hit three villages in Carcar City and in the towns of Liloan, Tuburan, Sibonga and also Bogo City.

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry said sample collection was conducted in backyard farms of those areas as part of the disease investigation and surveillance. The samples were submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory and tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction, the gold standard for testing and confirming the ASF virus.

The agency said it continues to gather data to determine the extent of the outbreak in Cebu.

Garcia cited the Local Government Code’s (LGC) provision on the proper course of action in addressing ASF threats that require coordination and prior approval from the local government. She also issued a memorandum addressed to the mayors, the Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine National Police, to observe the provision provided by the Local Government Code or RA 7160 in implementing projects and programs.

The governor stressed that under the LGC, no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities without obtaining prior approval from the local legislative body, and without consulting the appropriate local government units in cases involving pollution or extinction of animal species.

Garcia's recent memo is a reiteration of the provincial government’s policy not to implement culling pigs within the 500-meter radius, citing the effect on the livelihood of the hog raisers. Her order came after the DA-7’s ASF coordination office announced recently it would adhere to the national protocol in handling the highly contagious diseases of pigs, which is culling.

As part of the intervention, Garcia ordered hog raisers to stop feeding leftover food as ASF virus could infect pigs that can consume contaminated pork and other meat.

Garcia cited the World Health Organization’s advisory that although ASF could not transmit to humans, it is commonly introduced into a herd after feeding contaminated pork products. Through this, the virus would spread between pigs by direct contact with an infected one, or ingestion of contaminated materials like food waste, feed, or garbage.

She likewise urged Cebuanos to continue patronizing Carcar City products made of pork like chicharon (pork grind) and lechon or roasted pork. “The chicharon, hotdog, sausage, as well as their inasal (lechon), they are okay. And besides, what is there to fear? And I repeat this to all Cebuanos, you can eat them, especially if they are delicious. And if they taste bad, don’t eat them,” she said.

Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas said they would continue educating the public that it is safe pork despite the detection of ASF in three of its 15 villages. (John Rey Saavedra)