THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Occidental, through a technical discussion, has updated veterinarians from local government units (LGUs), livestock technicians and para-veterinarians on the status and adverse effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) to the local swine industry.

The technical discussion on ASF was conducted during the regular consultative conference of the Poultry and Livestock Association in Negros Occidental (Plano) at Koica Building in Bacolod City recently.

Dr. Lemuel Espinaso, technical specialist of Pilmico Animal Health, served as the resource person.

It was attended by 13 LGU paravet association presidents, nine city veterinarians from La Carlota, Cadiz, Himamaylan, Sipalay, Bago, Talisay and Victorias, ten livestock inspectors from different localities and commercial hog raisers in the province.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the Philippines is highly vulnerable to be infected by ASF.

Thus, the top most emphasis given during technical discussion was on strengthening of the province's biosecurity.

Decena urged the attendees to discuss with their respective local chief executives the issues and concerns on ASF that they learned during the conference.

"This will enable us to have a synchronized action against the entry of the disease in the province" he added.

ASF is a contagious hemorrhagic viral disease among domestic and wild pigs that can spread rapidly regardless of borders.

The government has been campaigning against the disease following the outbreak in neighboring countries like China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Mongolia including active cases in 17 other countries.

PVO earlier said it already started implementing various measures to ensure that the province will remain free from the threat of ASF.

It has strengthened the inspection and monitoring of frozen and processed pork products coming in Negros Occidental.

Additional footbaths in all ports of entry as part of heightened disease surveillance were already installed.

During the conference, meanwhile, Pilmico turned over 50 liters of disinfectants to PVO in support of its program on strengthening biosecurity and quarantine measures.