August 21, 2024

 

Iloilo, Philippines swine industry sees 70% recovery in ASF aftermath

The swine industry in Iloilo province, Philippines, is steadily recovering from the effects of African swine fever (ASF), with swine sufficiency levels now at 70%, The Manila Times reported.

 

Iloilo recorded a 16.59% increase in its swine inventory, from 72,320 swine in February 2024 to 84,323 in August.

 

"For ASF, we are still the same because our ban is still there, but right now, we are already in the recovery stage," said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

 

The governor attributed this increase in swine sufficiency to backyard swine raisers.

 

As of August, data from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed that the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry had upgraded 17 towns from red zone to pink zone status for ASF. However, 11 towns remained in the red, or infected, zone.

 

"Our pink zone is recovering; that is why we have downloaded money for the sentinel program," Defensor said.

 

The PVO has already released PHP 4.3 million (US$76,000) to six towns in the pink zone, benefiting 357 swine farmers.

 

The towns that received funds for a trial run to assess the presence of ASF in their areas include Barotac Viejo, New Lucena, Dingle, Banate, Sta Barbara, and San Miguel.

 

The provincial government has allocated a PHP 10.032 million (US$177,000) budget for the sentinel programme, aimed at helping the industry recover.

 

-      The Manila Times