NATION
Mindoro tightens ASF defenses
DA-MIMAROPA said it continues to coordinate with provincial and San Jose authorities to monitor and validate the situation and ensure the implementation of animal health and biosecurity protocols.
SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro — Agriculture authorities have intensified measures against African swine fever (ASF) following the confirmation of new cases in San Jose, raising concerns over the province’s hog industry.
The Department of Agriculture-MIMAROPA said the infections were confirmed through laboratory testing on 4 September after the Provincial Veterinary Office and San Jose Municipal Agriculture Office sought assistance from the agency.
DA-MIMAROPA immediately prepared disinfectants and coordinated with local governments on measures to contain the disease.
Stakeholder meetings were held in 13 barangays in San Jose on 10 and 11 September to discuss surveillance, monitoring, stronger biosecurity measures and ways to prevent the further spread of ASF.
The agriculture department also prepared 900 bottles of disinfectant for distribution to hog raisers in affected and high-risk areas.
The renewed campaign comes amid heightened biosecurity concerns in Occidental Mindoro following the reported illegal entry of undocumented meat into Mamburao.
Provincial veterinary authorities have proposed tighter inspection of regulated meat products and the designation of inspection areas in municipalities to strengthen safeguards against ASF.
DA-MIMAROPA said it continues to coordinate with provincial and San Jose authorities to monitor and validate the situation and ensure the implementation of animal health and biosecurity protocols.