April 10, 2023

Philippines confirms escalation of ASF since last year

The Philippines Department of Agriculture reported on April 6 that African swine fever (ASF) infection has surged since 2022.

Samuel Joseph Castro, an official of the department's Bureau of Animal Industry, said the disease continues to ravage 21 provinces, 54 towns and cities, and 137 villages across the Philippines.

The Philippine government had kicked off a campaign on April 4 to raise public awareness of the virus's threat and urge people to take precautions against it.

To contain the animal disease and revitalise the country's swine industry, the department had updated its national plan for the prevention and control of the virus. It also enforced strict surveillance and investigation, and intensified coordination with local government units.

ASF was first detected in the Philippines in 2019, leading to the culling of thousands of pigs and forcing the government to ramp up meat importation.

- Xinhua/NAN