DUMAGUETE CITY – Authorities in Negros Oriental are stepping up efforts to ensure that no pigs or by-products from Iloilo and Panay Island will find their way to the province amid reports of suspected African swine fever (ASF) cases in these areas.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag, quarantine officer of the Bureau of Animal Industry here, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that security is being tightened along the borders between Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental while awaiting further instructions from Governor Roel Degamo.
“We will be meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) with local government and agency officials and other stakeholders to discuss stricter measures, such as recommending to the governor for the issuance of an executive order banning hogs and by-products from Panay and Iloilo,” Tundag said.
Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental, including Vallehermoso, Mabinay and Basay who share boundaries with Negros Occidental, are asked to strengthen security measures such as checkpoints even though the latter is still free from ASF, he said.
Tundag said those invited to attend the meeting are officials or representatives from the provincial veterinary office, the provincial agriculture office, their counterparts at the LGU level, law enforcement authorities such as the police, and even stakeholders to include hog breeders, traders, and suppliers. (PNA)