Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Kristofferson Gonzales advised hog raisers to practice high biosecurity standards to protect their livestock from ASF. (Photo courtesy of Jhonzell Panganiban)
SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — With the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), Occidental Mindoro strengthens the province’s perimeter to guard against the virus.
In an interview with PIA Occidental Mindoro, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Kristofferson Gonzales explained that the virus can be transmitted by direct contact with infected pigs and their body fluids and feces. It can also be spread through indirect contact through equipment, vehicles, or people who came in contact with infected pigs or areas with confirmed ASF cases.
Consequently, stricter animal quarantine checkpoints were set up across the province to thoroughly check vehicles and passengers entering the province, “Mas tinaasan na po natin ang ating seguridad sa ating border. Nagka-conduct po tayo roon ng disinfection ng mga sasakyan…may spraying po roon [at] ‘yong [mga] pasahero na may kakayahang bumaba [sa sasakyan], pinapaapak natin sa footbath,” Gonzales said.
He recalled that the province has set up animal quarantine posts at its borders since 2019 with the onset of the pandemic, but are revamped with the threat of ASF.
Pig products made from infected swine can also be a channel for the virus to spread. To address this, checkpoints meticulously inspect entering passengers’ belongings for any items with pork products, “Kapag may nakitang prohibited items sa ilalim ng EO 34 at 54, kukumpiskahin po iyon at idi-dispose properly,” Gonzales added.
The Provincial Government reiterated that frozen meat products such as tocino, hotdog, longganisa, siomai, and similar products including canned pork products from outside Occidental Mindoro are prohibited. Pasalubong items such as pizza, chicharon, and burgers will also be confiscated.
Hog raisers, particularly the backyard swine raisers, are advised by the Provincial Veterinarian to practice high biosecurity standards, “Pinapayo natin na…’wag magpapakain ng sagmaw o kaning baboy. Mag-implement ng regular na paglilinis sa kanilang babuyan, [at]…magkaroon sana ng septic tank at huwag idi-diretso sa ilog o sa sapa [ang mga dumi sa kulungan]. Ang mga sako ng commercial feeds ‘wag din ilalagay sa kulungan…dahil possible rin [itong] maging dahilan ng pagkakontamina.”
Currently, Occidental Mindoro remains ASF-free and will continue to supply live pigs and pork products outside the province. Gonzales assures the public that the province’s supply of pork will be sufficient. (DSG/PIA Mimaropa – Occidental Mindoro)
