TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) — The city government of Tacurong is strengthening measures to curb the spread of African swine fever (ASF), which has been detected in hogs from at least two villages here.
On July 18, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed cases of the highly contagious viral disease in Barangays Baras and Upper Katungal, according to City Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito.
New confirmed cases were also reported in the municipalities of Isulan, Bagumbayan, and Columbio.
As a result, the Tacurong city government reactivated the task force on ASF to recalibrate its strategies to prevent the spread of the disease.
Issuing a press statement, the local government said: “LGU Tacurong is implementing a targeted response; only hogs of affected farms or backyards will be culled. However, blood sampling and surveillance continue within the 500 meters and 1 km zone, respectively.”
Lechonsito also ordered the indemnification of affected hog raisers to help them recover from their income losses through City Ordinance No. 004-9th SP.
Meanwhile, City Veterinarian Allan Alimajen advised hog farmers and raisers to strengthen their biosecurity in order to control and prevent ASF at the barangay level.
“Foot bath, screen fence, and a segregated feed station are only some of the measures that can be done,” he said.
The City Veterinary Services Office will also begin biosecurity training and intensify IEC dissemination at the barangay level. (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)
