ASF AREAS. Map showing the ASF zoning status of Ilocos Norte. As of Monday (August 2, 2021), Ilocos Norte has recorded around PHP40 million losses due to ASF. (Image courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)
LAOAG CITY – Hog growers in the province of Ilocos Norte are losing their livelihood due to the continuing threat of African swine fever (ASF).
Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the provincial veterinarian of Ilocos Norte, confirmed this on Monday as she reported the province has recorded some PHP40 million losses due to ASF.
Based on the latest monitoring and disease surveillance operation of the Provincial Veterinary Office, along with the Department of Agriculture and concerned local government units, at least five municipalities in the eastern part of the province were already infected with ASF.
These are the towns of Solsona, where the index record was traced, before spreading in the neighboring towns of Dingras, Marcos, Carasi, and Nueva Era.
“Amidst the stormy weather, we never ceased to conduct monitoring and surveillance activities in the infected and buffer zones to prevent disease transmission,” said Valenzuela as they hop from one village to another.
According to Valenzuela, a total of 4,000 hogs from the ASF-hit areas were already culled since June this year.
She said the ASF-affected backyard growers are now receiving alternative livelihood assistance to mitigate the financial impact of the disease.
Moreover, hog producers are strongly advised to follow strict biosecurity protocols, eliminate meat-based swill feeding, and limit interaction between pig farms, while consumers should be cautious of fraudulent vendors, particularly in online trading. (PNA)
