Cebu City has ramped up its defenses against African swine fever (ASF) following the culling of nineteen pigs in Barangay Quiot. This decisive action came after laboratory tests confirmed that nine hogs were infected.
Enhanced Surveillance and Biosecurity Efforts
I instructed the DVMF to remove all the pigs and directed the police to secure the area to prevent the movement of pigs that could potentially carry the virus.
Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.
- Nineteen pigs culled in Barangay Quiot due to ASF.
- Stricter movement controls on live pigs and pork products implemented.
- Expanded surveillance and random testing in nearby barangays.
The Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) carried out the culling operations within 15 days of detecting the infected hogs. Afterward, they buried the culled animals to prevent further spread.
To bolster containment efforts, the DVMF has heightened surveillance and is conducting random tests in adjacent areas. Information campaigns are also being intensified to educate farmers on ASF prevention.
Under Executive Order 86, signed prior to the outbreak, the city government has mandated that all traders and transporters of live hogs secure several documents, including a Certificate of ASF-Free Status and a Veterinary Health Certificate.
In addition to these measures, the city is collaborating with various agencies, including the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Philippine Coast Guard, to strengthen disease prevention efforts.
The local authorities have also emphasized the importance of reporting any unusual animal illnesses. The DVMF encourages hog raisers to adopt strict biosecurity measures and consider livestock insurance to mitigate financial losses.
While ASF poses no risk to human health, it can lead to high mortality rates among pigs and result in significant economic losses for farmers. With no cure available, authorities rely on effective surveillance, movement restrictions, and humane culling to manage outbreaks.