Aguinaldo, Ifugao bans entry of hog dealers and buyers to avert spread of ASF

Aguinaldo, Ifugao – As preventive measure to mitigate the risk of African Swine Fever (ASF) in town, the local government of Aguinaldo, Ifugao through Executive Order 2023-12 imposed temporary ban on the entry of pork from hog dealers, including buyers.

The highly contagious and deadly viral disease has no cure as of yet.

The order issued by Mayor Gaspar Chilagan Jr. on July 10, 2023 was made following reports of hog mortality cases in the locality, a matter in need of “immediate action and drastic disease control and preventive measures to stop the spread of the aforementioned hog disease and safeguard the municipality's hog industry from any possible economic loss.”

Further, there appears to be dealers who threatened hog raisers that the raiser’s swine are infected with ASF just so the dealers can purchase the pigs at a low price.

Preventive and control issues

Swine raisers are directed to practice strict biosecurity and good animal husbandry practices in their farms or pig pens, refrain from feeding swine or pigs with raw swill or food wastes (arasaw), and immediately report any suspicious incident of mortality of swine or pigs in their pens to the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).

Likewise, they are required to apply for livestock insurance and not allow dealers or buyers to go near their pig pen/s.

For livestock dealers, they shall secure Mayor's Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate or Animal Inspection Certificate, Shipping Permits, and Hog Transport Pass.

All buyers, added the order, are not allowed to go around the municipality to buy pigs but transactions shall be done at the designated buying area specified by the MAO. Additionally, they shall ensure that all animals for transport to and from the municipality which are not to be slaughtered therein, are properly documented.

Meanwhile, concerned agencies, along with barangay officials shall conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities on ASF prevention and regular disease monitoring and surveillance of swine in their area.

They are mandated to ensure that illegal meat products (fresh, frozen, or processed) are not being sold in the market and to report any suspicious incidents of mortality in pigs in their areas for verification by the MAO.

LISTEN TO STATION 1 RADIO: CLICK ME

OTHER NEWS 

Rotting cadaver of 29-yr.-old man found at vacant lot in Tuao

Follow Guru Press Cordillera  on Facebook for more News and Information