July 12, 2024
Iloilo province, Philippines swine industry rebounding after ASF outbreak
The severely affected swine industry in Iloilo province, Philippines, is beginning to recover following the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, with several commercial and backyard farms resuming swine-raising projects, according to the Iloilo Provincial Veterinarian's Office (PVO) chief, Philippine News Agency reported.
At a press conference, PVO head Dr Darel Tabuada reported that the swine-raising sufficiency level is now rising to 71.6%, a significant increase from its lowest point of 36.37% during the height of the ASF infection.
"We have 15 municipalities upgraded from red to pink; we have 13 municipalities in the red zone. In terms of inventory, it is gradually increasing in the province," he said.
As of July 10, 2024, the swine inventory in Iloilo reached 106,420 heads. Dr Tabuada expressed optimism that if the inventory continues to increase, the province could potentially achieve a 100% sufficiency level.
Additionally, the PVO is processing documents for 14 municipalities for the sentinelling program, targeting 836 farmer-beneficiaries. Once local governments comply with the required documents, the budget for the sentinelling will be released.
The targeted municipalities for the sentinelling programme include San Miguel, Barotac Viejo, New Lucena, Sta. Barbara, Mina, Dingle, Concepcion, Batad, Banate, Oton, Janiauy, Leganes, Zarraga, and Lambunao.
Each farmer participating in the programme will receive two piglets, with the province allocating over PHP 10 million (US$171,000) for the project.
"We wanted to strengthen farm biosecurity at the backyard level. We must adjust and accept the fact that ASF is just around, so we must protect our farms," Dr Tabuada stated.
He highlighted that the ASF virus is very resilient, capable of staying up to 1,000 days in frozen meat. The only effective measure to protect swine, he emphasised, is through stringent biosecurity practices.
- Philippine News Agency
