La Union - The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) in La Union has confirmed that pork supplies in the region are secure and uncontaminated, despite concerns over African Swine Fever (ASF) in nearby areas. OPVet reports maintaining a robust daily output of pork, with slaughters ranging from 956 to 1,085 hogs, producing between 40,468 and 75,122 kilos of pork. Dr. Domingo Bobby Calub III, the Provincial Veterinarian, highlighted the comprehensive measures in place to safeguard the local swine industry from ASF.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Calub emphasized the implementation of strict protocols, including culling, mandatory ASF testing, establishment of quarantine checkpoints, and farm biosecurity measures. These efforts are supported by collaborations with local government units and the Philippine National Police. Moreover, the provincial government has extended financial and technical assistance to affected hog raisers and is pushing for stricter penalties and legislative changes to enhance the enforcement powers of village officials regarding quarantine laws.
The response strategy extends to legislative support, with the OPVet working through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to explore additional protective measures, such as ASF vaccine research, increased monitoring, and enhanced cooperation with national agencies and stakeholders. This initiative aims to bolster the resilience of La Union's swine industry.
Dr. Alfredo Banaag, the regulatory division chief and ASF focal person at DA 1 (Ilocos Region), shared that about 2,460 hogs have been culled to curb the virus spread as of October 3, impacting 344 hog raisers. Adjustments to culling policies were made last September, reducing the radius for culling from 1 km to 500 meters around detected ASF cases. Hogs testing negative are now swiftly processed at local slaughterhouses to prevent virus spread and sustain market supply.
Affected raisers are eligible for indemnification from the Department of Agriculture, with compensation rates set at PHP4,000 per piglet, PHP8,000 per grower and fattener, and PHP12,000 per breeder, capped at 20 heads per raiser. These measures aim to alleviate the economic impact on local farmers while controlling the disease's spread.