VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The city government of Candon, Ilocos Sur is enhancing its fight against African Swine Fever (ASF) with cutting-edge, locally-developed equipment and test kits provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).
On Jan. 16, the DOST handed over between 300 to 600 ASFv Nanogold Biosensor test kits, enabling the city to detect ASF viral nucleic acids in blood, tissues, surface swabs, farm water, and processed pork products.
The technology delivers results in just 30 minutes, combining nucleic acid-based assays with nanotechnology using gold nanoparticles for precise visualization.
Dr. Clara Lay-yag, city veterinarian, noted that the equipment marks a significant improvement over the previous process of sending samples to a regional laboratory in Pangasinan, which took one to two days.
“With the new equipment and test kits, the city veterinary office can achieve rapid detection and respond swiftly by immediately isolating potentially affected animals and disinfecting farms or pigpens to prevent the spread of the virus,” she said.
The ASFv Nanogold Biosensor Test Kit, developed by Dr. Clarisse Yvonne Domingo and her team at Central Luzon State University, is the first locally designed screening tool for ASF.
Dr. Domingo also led a technical training for city veterinary, agricultural, and health office staff, along with hog raisers and animal technicians, to ensure effective implementation.
Candon City: A pilot for smart agriculture
DOST Ilocos Sur Provincial Director, Engr. Jordan Abad, said that the city is the first recipient of this technology in the Ilocos Region, chosen for its alignment with the SSCP’s vision of precision agriculture and smart solutions.
“We chose Candon City due to the relevance of its vision to the program. We have determined smart approaches that we can incorporate into their agriculture programs,” Abad added.
He emphasized that the initiative supports Candon City’s agricultural programs while addressing the ASF crisis, benefiting both the local economy and public health.
Lay-yag adds that Candon City has no active ASF cases, with infections significantly declining since 2023 due to strengthened government efforts and public cooperation.
“All incoming pigs are being checked to ensure they have health certificates, especially if they come from other cities or towns. We check health certificates to prevent undocumented and uninspected pigs from entering the city for slaughter,” she said.
Candon City remains a yellow (surveillance) zone, but aims to transition to a pink (buffer) zone following a disease surveillance by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in March. This shift would allow hog farms and cooperatives to resume operations.
The equipment is not limited to ASF detection. Lay-yag noted its potential to test for other livestock diseases, such as cholera, and ongoing developments for rabies diagnostics.
Abad highlighted the DOST’s openness to working with other local governments, offering evaluations and strategies to adopt similar technologies.
The awarding of ASFv Nanogold Biosensor Test Kits and laboratory equipment underscores the DOST’s commitment to Science, Technology, and Innovation to address challenges in the swine industry and enhance food security, with plans for future implementation across the Ilocos Region. (CCMT/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
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