ASF REACHES TAGUM

ASF started in Barangay Mankilam and is now being contained

TAGUM City – Tagum City Veterinarian’s Office confirmed that the African Swine Fever has finally reached the city and warns the public, especially the hog raisers, to be extra careful in handling their pigs.

Last September 30, 2020, the City Veterinarian’s Office of Tagum sent 10 samples to the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. The laboratory released the result on October 13 wherein five samples turned out positive of the African Swine Fever.

Tagum City Veterinarian Dr. Jesus G. Edullantes said the virus started in Barangay Mankilam and is now being contained. However, he warns the hog growers to be careful in handling their pigs and transacting with traders.

ASF cannot harm humans but Edullantes still cautions the public to buy certified meat by meat inspectors being sold in legitimate selling areas such as the public market and malls to avoid the further spread of the disease.

Hog growers are also expected to coordinate with the local government unit thru the City Veterinarian’s Office if they suspect their pigs to be sick or if they died suspiciously so samples can be examined immediately. Quarantine measures are also required while waiting for the result. If pigs are confirmed to have ASF, certain protocols have to be followed.

“Dako kaayo siya og economic… impact… kay ang virus taas ang mortality [ rate]… Ato untang tabangan ang industriya, kinahanglan mukunsumo gihapon ta og karneng baboy… safe pa gihapon mukaon… dili lang pud magpataka og pamalit sa mga talipapa ( This has a huge impact to our economy because of its high mortality rate. Let us do our part in helping the industry by still consuming pork, it is still sfe to eat. Let’s just be vigilant when buying at the market),” Edullantes said.

Meanwhile, the LGU is now looking for additional funds to help the affected farmers and is also partnering with the national government for measures to be conducted to stop its spread. Inspections are still in place at all checkpoints manned by the inspectors from the Bureau of Animal Industry. /

Dako kaayo siya og economic… impact… kay ang virus taas ang mortality [ rate]… Ato untang tabangan ang industriya, kinahanglan mukunsumo gihapon ta og karneng baboy… safe pa gihapon mukaon… dili lang pud magpataka og pamalit sa mga talipapa.

DR. JESUS G. EDULLANTES Tagum City Veterinarian