ANTIQUE – The municipality of Sibalom tightened its implementation of quarantine measures to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF).
This came after the hog disease hit the neighboring Hamtic town affecting 24 of its barangays with a reported accumulated death of more or less 1,500 heads of hogs.
Sibalom mayor Gian Carlo F. Occeña issued Executive Order No. 2023-029-VI dated June 21 to intensify quarantine measures by banning the entry and circulation of boar and artificial insemination for breeding services in swine and the entry of pork products, hogs and livestock transport carriers coming from neighboring municipalities and provinces.
“To ensure that the Municipality of Sibalom will remain ASF-free… and ensure the safety of our local livestock industry,” read part of the executive order.
These measures, which will take effect until July 5, 2023, or as revoked or amended, include:
* The loading and unloading of livestock (carabao, goat, cattle and swine) will be done at the border checkpoint designated by the ASF Task Force in Barangay Egaña for transport carriers from the south and going back to Southern Antique and Iloilo City, and in Barangay Pangpang for transport carriers from the north and going back to Northern Antique and Aklan.
* Livestock transport carriers from the Municipality of San Remigio are allowed to enter the municipality.
* Shippers supported by proper documents issued by the Provincial Veterinary Office and Bureau of Animal Industry are allowed to transact business at the designated area in the Municipality of Sibalom.
* Barangay officials and barangay tanods are enjoined to be part of the ASF Task Force, implementing measures at the designated checkpoints to curb the entry of ASF in their respective barangays.
* Confiscation of pork, pork products and processed foods found to violate the executive order.
* Breeding of boar, naturally or artificially done, is temporarily suspended in the municipality.
* Establishment of checkpoint areas in Barangay Pangpang, District III and Egaña, Sibalom, Antique.
* Disinfection at the designated borders and at the livestock market must be strictly implemented after transactions.
* Intensify hog monitoring status in every barangays./PN
