Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that 14 of the 20 pig’s blood they sent to the United Kingdom came back to be African Swine Fever (ASF) positive, Monday.
The Agriculture secretary William Dar confirmed the results but assured they are doing all needed measures to contain the disease.
Dar said that around 7,416 pigs had been culled. These are the pigs within the 1-kilometre radius of the affected areas in parts of Rizal and Bulacan. He said that the said locations are now “cleared” of ASF.
Some 7,416 pigs within the 1-kilometer radius of the affected areas in parts of Rizal and Bulacan have been culled, Dar said. These areas are now considered “cleared” of the disease, he said.
Dar also said that they are still waiting for the ASF strain and virulence test results. In August, some pigs became ill and died in the Rizal and Bulacan area.
“We continue to monitor, even beyond the 10-kilometer radius. So far, so good. No incidents,” Dar told reporters.
Pork products from African Swine Fever affected countries
Dar assured the public that pork products with NMIS or National Meat Inspection Service seal are safe to eat. He also advised everyone, especially those who are coming abroad, to refrain from bringing home pork products from countries affected by ASF.
“Mahirap ma-contain kung walang partisipasyon ng komunidad o mga tao… Lahat, dapat natin gagawin, tulong-tulong otherwise, as you said, it will be a lingering issue,” he said.
(It will be difficult to contain if there is no community participation… We should do everything, cooperate, otherwise, as you said, it will be a lingering issue.)
The DA gave cash assistance to the farmers whose pigs were slaughtered. ASF was first monitored in areas of Rodriguez and Antipolo, Rizal and Guiguinto, Bulacan.