The city government of Maasin will implement several measures to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever (ASF) in their locality following reports of confirmed cases in some Southern Leyte towns.

Mayor Nacional Mercado said he has ordered the activation of barangay (village) responders, strict implementation of quarantine procedures through the establishment of checkpoints, and setting up of temporary movement control measures.

Local authorities will also conduct regular disease and field surveillance, information dissemination and education, and update local policies related to ASF prevention.

“Rest assured that the city government of Maasin is certainly taking all the possible measures to ensure the health and safety of our community,” Mercado added.

According to the Southern Leyte Provincial African Swine Fever (PASF) executive committee, the towns of Silago, Malitbog and Bontoc reported cases of ASF.

In Silago town, 99 farmers were affected when 489 hogs contracted the ASF. Malitbog reported 48 affected farmers and 448 infected hogs. Bontoc town has yet to submit its report.

Meanwhile, more than a month after Silago town Mayor Lemuel Honor declared a “pork holiday” on Dec. 27, 2023 to eight villages, the local chief executive has issued another executive order lifting the “pork ban” as recommended by the provincial veterinary office of the province.

However, slaughtering of hogs in the eight affected villages will only be permitted if owners secure a barangay certificate ensuring that the hog is healthy and fit for food consumption.

In Bontoc town, Mayor Noel Alinsub issued a directive enforcing a total ban on the slaughtering of hogs in their area for a period of seven days from Feb. 2 to 9.

The order temporary bans the sale of pork and pork products in the two affected villages for seven days and may be extended for another 15 days.

It also prohibited the entry and exit of live hogs within the scope of the executive order. (PNA)

Photo credit: Department of Agriculture