The Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office has reported an increase in the number of barangays affected by African Swine Fever (ASF) across seven towns and one city in the province, raising concerns among local hog raisers.
According to the Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet), the affected areas are as follows:
- Lobo: 19 barangays
- Calatagan: 8 barangays
- Lian: 6 barangays
- Lipa City: 5 barangays
- Talisay: 3 barangays
- Tuy: 3 barangays
- Rosario: 1 barangay
- San Juan: 1 barangay
While the number of towns and cities reporting positive cases remains the same, the number of affected barangays has increased.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
In Batangas City, particularly in Barangay Balete, efforts are being made to prevent ASF from reaching the area.
Over a hundred backyard pig farms are being closely monitored to protect them from the virus.
The local barangay council is considering establishing an animal checkpoint to tighten security.
"Ito ay para masiguro na ligtas ang mga baboy dito sa aming barangay at hindi maaapektuhan ng ASF," Barangay councilman Serapio Maalihan said.
Although Batangas City has yet to record any ASF cases, local hog raisers like Jun Dalisay are anxious.
"Ito laang ho ang pinagkakakitaan [namin], madaling sabi. Malaki pong bagay ang may alagang baboy, [at] mahirap kapag nawala. Pangalagaan natin ang mga babuyan natin," Dalisay said.
Wilson Morenes, another hog raiser, supports the idea of a barangay animal checkpoint. He sold 88 pigs at a lower price due to fears of ASF, leaving him with only six remaining.
"Ako'y nanghihinayang na din po, gawa ng mataas na po ang feeds ay pag bili nila ng fattener ay mababa na," Morenes said.
The Barangay Balete council is now coordinating with the ProVet and other agencies to approve the proposed animal checkpoint.
"Huwag sila muna magpapasok ng mga 'viajero,' dahil ngayon ay talagang laganap ang sakit na iyan," Board Member Jess de Veyra, Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture, said.
"Huwag silang magpapasok ng baboy o biik na galing sa ibang bayan dahil hindi natin alam kung sila ang may dala ng sakit na ASF," De Veyra added.
