The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday that the government will establish checkpoints while awaiting the arrival of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine.
This move comes in response to the increasing number of ASF cases in Batangas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has implemented additional border controls to mitigate the spread of the said virus.
“The checkpoints are a temporary measure while the government awaits the vaccine, a process that could take a few weeks,” explained Laurel.
Furthermore, Laurel emphasized that the government has sufficient funds to procure the vaccine necessary for hog raisers to manage the outbreak.
DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica acknowledged that these control measures will help curb the rapid spread of ASF.
“We have established additional livestock quarantines, which will remain in place until at least December 31. Policemen, along with personnel from the Bureau of Animal Industry and other DA staff, will man the checkpoints,” stated Palabrica.
According to a report by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), ASF affects more than 17 regions and 74 cities in the whole country.
