October 9, 2024

 

La Union, Philippines declares 53 villages as red zones amid ASF outbreak

Fifty-three villages across eight localities in La Union, Philippines, have been classified as red zones due to the presence of African swine fever (ASF), the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) official confirmed, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

The affected villages are in the municipalities of Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, Bacnotan, Santol, San Juan, Rosario, and San Fernando City.

 

According to Dr Alfredo Banaag, chief of the regulatory division of DA Region 1 (Ilocos Region) and the ASF focal person, around 2,460 swine have been culled as of 3 October to contain the spread of the virus. The outbreak has affected 344 swine farmers.

 

"These areas are currently under quarantine for ASF," Dr Banaag stated in a phone interview. "Based on local ordinances, live hogs are prohibited from being transported outside of their respective jurisdictions. Pigs of marketable size are tested, and if they test negative, they are immediately sent to slaughterhouses."

 

He further noted that the DA has revised its approach to ASF containment. Previously, the protocol was to cull all pigs within a 1 km radius of an infected animal. Since September, the radius has been reduced to 500 m.

 

Under the revised policy, swine that test positive for ASF will still be culled. However, those testing negative must be sent to slaughterhouses promptly and sold to consumers. The decision to implement full culling or adopt the test-and-destroy approach lies with the local chief executive, who may consider humanitarian or economic factors.

 

"The new strategy allows for the sale of swine that test negative for ASF, easing the burden on hog raisers," Dr Banaag explained, assuring the public that pork products from animals that test negative for ASF are safe for consumption.

 

To support affected swine farmers, the DA is providing indemnification for culled animals. Compensation amounts range from PHP 4,000 (US$70.12) per head for piglets, PHP 8,000 (US$140.25) per head for growers and fatteners, and PHP 12,000 (US$210.37) per head for breeders. Swine farmers are eligible to claim indemnification for up to 20 heads each.

 

Dr Banaag also noted that surveillance and testing are ongoing in Ilocos Sur, where seven localities have been designated as red zones. In contrast, Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan have reported no ASF cases to date.

 

-      Philippine News Agency