BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Provincial African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force has intensified its information drive and precautionary measures.
Through distribution of information, education and communication materials, disinfectants, and equipment to various quarantine stations, the task force aims to ward off breach of the dreaded pig disease.
“This shows that all stakeholders in swine industry are united and strongly support the preventive measures implemented by the Provincial ASF Task Force against the entry of the disease,” the Provincial Veterinary Office said in a statement.
A robust partnership was further encouraged with the private sector in an effort to uphold Negros Occidental as an ASF-free province.
The provincial government, on the other hand, urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with the authorities amidst the threat of ASF.
Negros Occidental is the number one producer of backyard swine in the Philippines.
There has been no report of suspected ASF cases in the province amid the heightened disease surveillance.
According to the Depart of Agriculture, ASF is a fatal animal disease affecting pigs and wild boars with up to 100 percent case fatality rate. This viral disease only affects pigs and not humans.
Signs of illness among pigs include high fever, decreased appetite, and weakness. The skin may be reddened, blotchy, or have blackened lesions, especially on the ears, tail, and lower legs./PN
