AKLAN – The African swine fever (ASF) is spreading in Aklan.
Thus in a special session on May 19, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously passed a resolution placing the province under a state of calamity.
The declaration was an urgent request from Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The first confirmed cases of the hog disease were recorded in Barangay Arcangel, Balete town.
ASF cases have since been detected in seven municipalities, particularly in the barangays of Tamalagon, Dapdap, Baybay and Tondog (Tangalan), Morales (Balete), Caano (Kalibo), Albasan and Navitas (Numancia), Mabilo (New Washington), Alibagon (Makato) and Magpag-ong (Batan).
Ibajay, Nabas, Malay and Buruanga in the western district remain in ASF-free.
Over 400 heads have already been culled in Balete and Tangalan.
Blood samples were submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory in Iloilo and tested using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction to confirm the ASF virus.
The declaration of a state of calamity will allow local government units (LGUs) to utilize their Quick Response Funds to curtail the continuing spread of ASF.
Hog raisers are also entitled to P2,000 (for native pigs) and P3,000 (for upgraded pigs) ASF indemnification.
They can also seek assistance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, the government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to implement the government’s agricultural insurance program./PN
