June 21, 2024

Philippines' sentineling programme boosts swine farmer confidence

The Philippines' sentineling programme is enhancing farmers' confidence to re-enter the swine industry after the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, an official from the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) official announced, Philippine News Agency reported.

DA 6 (Western Visayas) executive director Dennis Arpia said the programme aims to boost the confidence level of farmers to reinvest, and this initiative is led by the government.

Arpia highlighted that 26 local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas, Philippines, have moved from red (infected zone) to pink (buffer zone) and are currently in the sentineling process. An additional 15 LGUs are awaiting approval to begin the process.

The sentineling process involves more than just dispersing piglets; it requires active participation from the concerned LGU. This includes issuing an executive order outlining ASF control measures, ensuring farmers' biosecurity readiness, and conducting awareness training.

Following these steps, piglets are distributed to selected farmers and monitored for 40 days. If the piglets survive this period, it indicates the absence of the virus, allowing the area to advance to the yellow zone, signalling the start of breeding and repopulation.

-      Philippine News Agency