The number of barangays in Cagayan de Oro affected by African Swine Fever (ASF) has reached seven.
According to Assistant Regional Director Carlota Madriaga of the Department of Agriculture Region 10 Field Operations Division, the first two barangays reported with ASF have increased by five.
“As of today, medyo nadagdagan kaso natin sa Cagayan de Oro, in terms of infection, medyo naapektuhan ‘yung adjacent barangays so naging 7,” Madriaga said in an interview on TeleRadyo Tuesday morning.
Apart from the CDO, Misamis Oriental is also monitored for two barangays that are also affected by the ASF.
Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Emano has also issued an executive order regarding the temporary ban on the shipping of pigs and pig products from areas affected by ASF. It is also forbidden to ship pigs from backyard farms.
“Kanilang ma-ship lang outside galing sa commercial farms as long as kumpleto ‘yung requirements like veterinary health certificate, saka ‘yung licenses at permits. Pero kung galing sa backyard farms ay temporary banned talaga siya,” said Madriaga.
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7 barangays in Cagayan de Oro affected by ASF
Meanwhile, the pigs sent to Luzon are mostly from the province of Bukidnon.
“Ang Bukidnon ang pinakamalaking production area natin ng baboy sa Mindanao. ‘Yung surplus natina ng ipinapadala outside not only in Luzon, but in other areas in Mindanao and in the Visayas,” she added.
The group of pork producers is worried about the cases of African swine fever in Cagayan De Oro City and Misamis Oriental.
According to the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, this could affect Mindanao’s supply of pork to Metro Manila.
“Ang Mindanao, nasa halos 30 percent or 25 percent ng baboy sa buong Pilipinas, diyan nanggagaling kaya dapat mapigil [ang pagkalat ng ASF] dahil kung hindi, lalo tayong magkakaroon ng kakulangan,” said Nicanor Briones, vice president of the group.
The shortage of supply has led to an increase in pork prices in Metro Manila. Apart from the implementation of the price ceiling, the importation of pork from Mindanao is the DA’s remedy for the increase in pork prices.