DA vigorously enforcing '1-7-10 Protocol' vs. African swine fever

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now vigorously enforcing the “1-7-10 Protocol” to control the African swine fever (ASF) from spreading in the country.

After receiving the results of blood samples from the pigs that died in Rizal province, the DA announced on Monday that the majority of the samples turned positive of ASF based on tests conducted in England.

“We commend our Crisis Management Task Force (CMTF) on Swine for overseeing the vigorous implementation of appropriate measures—notably the “1-7-10 Protocol,” the department said.

The DA said it was able to “successfully managed” the situation even before the ASF infection was confirmed.

“A misstep could erode the gains and competitiveness of the country’s P260-billion swine industry that provides and sustains the livelihood of millions of Filipino families, as roughly two-thirds or 65 percent of the industry is contributed by small backyard raisers,” the DA said.

Under the protocol, quarantine checkpoints are set up in areas within a 1-kilometer radius of suspected farms—monitoring the movement of live pigs, pork, and pork products.

Within a 7-kilometer radius, authorities are conducting surveillance and limiting animal movement.

Farm owners within the 10-kilometer radius are mandated to report any disease to the DA.

The department also intensified its efforts by activating and mobilizing Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at Regional Field Offices to conduct complementary measures.

Meat and meat products sold in public markets are safe for human consumption as long as the products are backed and sealed by the NMIS or National Meat Inspection Service, and veterinary health certificate issued by the DA-BAI and veterinary offices of LGUs. —Joviland Rita/VDS, GMA News