DA moves to control spread of ASF in Visayas region
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the mandatory inspection and clearance of local commercial fishing boats entering Visayas from Masbate to control the possible spread of the deadly African swine fever (ASF).
In Memorandum Order 25 dated March 25, 2021, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the current Asf-infected zones in the towns of Aroroy and Milagros in Masbate pose a significant threat to disease-free areas in the Visayas regions and provinces due to its geographical proximity as well as the frequent fishing and trading practices to and from these areas.
“There is a need to arrest the spread of ASF to protect remaining disease-free areas by enhancing current biosecurity protocols,” he said.
Dar said all local fishing boats from the island of Masbate bound to the islands of Visayas shall pass through ASF inspection clearance for presence of prohibited commodities such as live swine or pork products.
The DA chief said the Bureau of Animal Industry-veterinary Quarantine Station Region 5, in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), DA Regional Field Office and local government office would facilitate the inspection and issuance of ASF inspection clearance, which will be presented at the port of transit/dock in the Visayas.
He said BFAR, in coordination with PCG shall only issue a Certificate of Clearance and Local Transport Permit to fishing boats with ASF inspection clearance.
According to Dar, outbreaks of ASF in the country are continuing since its first confirmed incident in August 2019, gradually spreading to the island provinces/regions of Luzon, such as Masbate and in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.
Earlier, the DA has recommended to President Duterte to declare a state of national emergency to prevent the further spread of ASF in the country.
The agency said the ASF, a severe and fatal pig disease, has already spread to 12 regions, 40 provinces, 466 cities and municipalities and 2,425 barangays nationwide as of March 19, 2021.