TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The city African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force decided to declare Tabuk under a state of animal health emergency following confirmed ASF cases in 13 barangays.
City Veterinarian Carmen Wanas reported in a meeting on Oct. 16 that there were 267 hogs that were affected with ASF in said areas. The disease has now affected 209 hog raisers.
The barangays affected based on ASF-rapid test are Dagupan West, New Tanglag, Bulanao Centro, Bulanao Norte, Bulo, Ipil, Gobgob, Naneng, Bagumbayan, Cabaruan, Appas, San Juan, and Agbannawag.
Wanas also did not discount that the possibility there could be unreported cases in some barangays.
According to the Tabuk City Public Information Office, the mayor’s decision to issue an executive order declaring an animal health emergency and the impending passage of an ordinance supporting the EO will strengthen the efforts of the task force and its partner organizations to stop ASF from spreading not just in the city but also in neighboring towns.
As preventive measures against the further spread of the disease, veterinary checkpoints have been established for strict inspection of live hogs and other hog meat products brought in to the city.
A Bantay Karne Task Force has been formed to monitor and report ASF cases or possible suspects.
Pork products sold at markets must bear a City Veterinary Office certification while slaughtering of hogs at residences is regulated.
The task force has recommended provision of financial support to hog raisers who voluntarily depopulate the affected hogs. – Larry Lopez
