August 22, 2024

Philippines' Agriculture Department addresses concerns over potential second wave of ASF

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has sought to ease concerns about a potential second wave of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks, despite ongoing reports of ASF cases in various regions of the country, The Philippine Star reported.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa stated that the current ASF cases are part of the ongoing outbreak that began in 2019. De Mesa clarified that ASF has been present in the country for nearly five years and has not completely disappeared.

De Mesa responded to recent alarm from the country's National Federation of Hog Raisers (NatFed), which had expressed concerns that a new wave of ASF outbreaks might be affecting the country. NatFed highlighted the substantial financial losses the swine industry experienced during the initial ASF outbreak in 2019.

Reflecting on his experience as the DA regional director in Calabarzon, De Mesa noted that while the virus has resurfaced in various regions, this should not be considered a new outbreak. He emphasised that although ASF cases have increased in some areas, the situation remains under control and the government is actively managing it.

Current reports indicate the spread of ASF in the provinces of Batangas, Isabela, Laguna, and Quezon. Despite these developments, De Mesa reassured that control measures are effectively in place to manage the situation.

-      The Philippine Star