Duterte creates task force to prevent entry, control spread of animal-borne diseases

President Rodrigo Duterte has created a task force to prevent the entry and control the spread of animal-borne diseases amid the African swine fever outbreak in some areas in the country.

The National Task Force on Animal-Borne Diseases is chaired by the Agriculture Secretary with the Health Secretary as vice chairperson, according to Executive Order 105 signed by Duterte on February 21.

Its members include the Executive Secretary, secretaries of the interior and local government, environment and natural resources, trade and industry, finance, budget and management, social welfare and development, foreign affairs, transportation, national defense, labor and employment, justice and tourism as well as the Bureau of Customs commissioner and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general.

Duterte tasked the body to craft policies and measures to address the issues relating to animal-borne diseases, including those concerning the ASF virus.

The task force should also implement an awareness campaign, zoning and movement plans for the prevention and control of animal-borne diseases and develop programs to aid those affected including financial assistance, livelihood alternatives and necessary skills training.

Duterte also encouraged the private sector, non-government organizations and other stakeholders to support the programs of the task force.

The Palace released the copy of the order two days after Duterte held a meeting with national and local government officials in Malacañang to address the ASF outbreak, which has affected backyard and commercial farms in Luzon and Davao Occidental. Thousands of pigs have been culled to control the spread of the deadly viral disease. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News