Google map of Magpet town, North Cotabato.
MAGPET, North Cotabato - The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) said it has intensified the decontamination drive against the African swine fever (ASF) following the increase in the number of villages here affected by the highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease.
From the initial number of three ASF affected villages - Magcaalam, Ilian, and Binay – the number of infected barangays has jumped to nine, according to the latest report of OPV.
The additional ASF affected villages included Tagbac, Bantac, Pangao-an, Poblacion, Noa, and Doles. As of Friday, the OPV has depopulated 678 hogs from 159 local hog owners to avoid further contamination in this town.
“We continue to gather samples within 500 meters from ‘ground zero’ of the infected hogs for laboratory testing to determine the extent of infection”, said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Rufino Sorupia.
Additional ASF checkpoints were established along the villages affected by ASF for strict inspection of pork by-products entering the vicinity.
The municipal government has already distributed cash assistance to affected hog owners after the town council’s declaration last week of a state of calamity due to the existing ASF problem.
“The Department of Agriculture – Region 12 has also earlier committed on extending cash assistance to the affected hog raisers,” Sorupia said.
Kidapawan City and the municipality of President Roxas have also implemented strict restrictions on the entry of meat products to their areas from this town to avoid ASF contamination. (PNA)
