February 22, 2023

Iloilo province in the Philippines looks to chicken and fish amid ASF threat

The provincial government of Iloilo in the Philippines, a major producer of pork in the country, is looking to increase its sources of protein, including not only pork but also chicken meat and fish products, due to the ongoing threat of African swine fever (ASF) in the province, Philippine News Agency reported.

The plan is to source chicken and fish from inland water aquaculture to balance the source of protein, and to replenish the supply of pork by raising swine in regions not yet affected by animal disease.

Arthur Defensor Jr, Governor of Iloilo, said these are agricultural measures to have more protein source options besides only swine, not necessarily ASF measures.

Defensor said pork is the province's main source of protein, so the availability of the meat poses a nutritional challenge.

In Iloilo, 17 of the 22 local government units affected by the ASF are currently in the red or infected zone, indicating that the disease is widespread.

ASF has been documented in 104 barangays as of February 20, in the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Alimodian, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, Mina, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Zarraga, Janiuay, San Dionisio, Batad, Dingle, and Concepcion, according to data from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.

Live pigs, pork, pork products (fresh/frozen and uncooked processed pork products, excluding cooked and canned processed pork products), and swine genetic material cannot be brought into or taken out of the affected municipalities.

-      Philippine News Agency