THE Provincial Task Force on African Swine Fever (ASF) has received information and education campaign (EIC) materials, tarpaulins, disinfectants and equipment worth almost P500,000 from various animal feed and drug suppliers in Negros Occidental.

These animal feed and drug suppliers are Unahco, Atlas Feeds and Pilmico Animal Health.

The materials and equipment were distributed to different disinfection stations for livestock carriers among ports, animal quarantine checkpoints and livestock auction markets.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, co-chair of the Provincial Task Force on ASF, said this shows that all swine industry stakeholders in the province are united.

They strongly support the preventive measures implemented by the task force against the entry of the disease, Decena said.

"A strong partnership with the private sector is important in the effort to completely maintain the current state of Negros Occidental as an ASF-free province," he added.

Aside from the materials and equipment, animal feed and drug suppliers are also extending their support through province wide awareness campaign and swine disease surveillance.

"Amid the threat of ASF, the provincial government encourages Negrenses to remain calm yet vigilant and cooperative with the authorities," the provincial veterinarian said.