Asipulo, Ifugao Mayor Armando Domilod issued a public advisory reiterating some guidelines in response to the threat of African swine fever (ASF) in the municipality.
Domilod advised the public to be vigilant and cooperative so that the spread of the deadly and highly contagious disease of wild and domestic pigs may be stopped.
Asipulo and the neighboring municipalities of Kiangan and Lagawe have confirmed ASF cases.
The mayor said traders and livestock handlers must comply with government regulations related to livestock and by-product transport. Transporters must have a transport carrier and handler’s license and shipping permit duly signed by the Provincial Veterinarian with contact numbers and veterinary health certificate.
Implementation of biosecurity measures in all swine farms is also enjoined.
Domilod also advised the public to avoid purchasing fresh and processed pork products from areas affected with ASF, and to report unexplained pig deaths to the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).
MAO personnel must inspect and issue animal health certificates before the owner and buyers may butcher a pig, and all dead pigs must be buried six feet below the ground.
Barangay captains are encouraged to implement these measures within their barangays.
“Let us learn from our experiences last year and be more cooperative, more disciplined, and more vigilant in preventing further infection,” the mayor stated. – Marcelo B. Lihgawon
