BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Cordillera is appealing to the public for their cooperation in preventing the existence and spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region and elsewhere.

There are cases of ASF in some provinces of Cordillera despite the continuous reminder of DA Cordillera against the hog disease. Recently, three barangays in Benguet listed cases of ASF prompting the culling of pigs in their respective vicinities. 

Just last October of this year, the local legislators of Tabuk City, Kalinga declared a state of "animal health emergency" as ASF outbreaks dotted some of the barangays.

DA Cordillera Regulatory Division OIC-chief, Dr. Leisley Deligen, said that the main reason for the spread of the virus is because of the continuous selling and buying of hogs coming from the areas stricken by the ASF. The second reason is the feeding of swill or food scraps and refuse to the pigs. 

According to Deligen, the virus is also being spread through humans especially those who attended community feasts and large gatherings where they consume pork meat. Most of such meats are not detected and may be of contaminated pigs.

He reiterated the continuing appeal of DA to the public to report immediately cases of sick and dead pigs for the agency to conduct prompt investigation and implement appropriate measures.