PHL climate may help prevent spread of ASF – Bureau of Animal Industry

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said on Monday that the Philippines' climate would prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

During his presentation at the meeting of the House Committees on Agriculture and Food and Local Government, BAI Director Ronnie Domingo explained that the ASF virus did not thrive during the dry season, which prevails for half a year in the country.

"Takot sa dry season ang African swine fever. Kaya inaasahan natin na katulong na natin ang climate para sa pagsugpo ng sakit na ito," Domingo told the panel.

Nevertheless, the BAI director revealed the government had put up a crisis management team to address the ASF outbreak.

As of November 18, BAI data showed that ASF cases had been recorded in seven provinces, including Metro Manila, 50 municipalities, and 461 barangays.

Of the 461 barangays, 389 were in Region III, so an incident command center was established in Pampanga to prevent the further spread of the virus in badly-hit Central Luzon.

Additionally, as of November 4, a total of 40,303 animals were slaughtered and disposed of as part of the government's drive against ASF.

While news reports on the ASF outbreak have raised awareness among hog raisers and local government units, Domingo said that consistently enforcing uniform control measures among local leaders was still a challenge.

"Gayunpaman, nakatulong yan (control measures)... kaya bumaba na yung kaso ng African swine fever," he emphasized.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier approved the release of P1 billion from his contingency fund to address the outbreak of ASF.

The Department of Budget and Management in September also released P82.5 million to the BAI for ASF preventive measures. — DVM, GMA News