September 9, 2025
Intensified biosecurity measures against ASF urged in Ilocos Norte,Philippines
Livestock raisers in the province of Ilocos Norte are reminded to strictly implement biosecurity measures daily to prevent the re-entry of African swine fever (ASF).
This was after the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) learned from the Department of Agriculture Regulatory Division that there had been an increase in reported ASF cases in several parts of the region.
"We all know the impact of ASF. Let us be vigilant to prevent the re-entry of ASF in the province," provincial veterinarian Dr Loida Valenzuela said.
Valenzuela said there should be no entry of hogs, pork meat, or processed meat without proper documents.
Provincial border checkpoints in Pagudpud and along the Badoc gateway are in place round-the-clock, she added.
Instead of transporting breeders from one place to another, Valenzuela suggested the use of semen from ASF-free certified farms.
She urged the public to cooperate and report to the Municipal Agriculture Office or the PVO any unusual death or sickness of farm animals.
Experts say the risk of ASF infection is higher during the rainy season due to increased humidity and flooding, which can facilitate the virus' dispersal and re-emergence from contaminated soil and carcasses.
Hog raisers are advised not to use water from creeks, irrigation canals, or rivers to avoid contamination, and to always practice biosecurity measures in pigpens.
- Philippine News Agency
