CONFIRMED cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were recorded in four different barangays in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Northern Mindanao reported Wednesday afternoon, February 10, 2021.
Carlene Collado, director of DA-Northern Mindanao, confirmed the presence of ASF in Barangay Hampason, Initao and Pagawan, Manticao in Misamis Oriental; and Barangays Mambuaya and San Simon in Cagayan de Oro.
According to Collado, the serum specimens submitted by the Provincial Veterinary Office of Misamis Oriental and City Veterinary Office of Cagayan de Oro were subjected to laboratory test for ASF. The test was conducted by DA's Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on
February 8, 2021.
The laboratory results showed that the collected samples tested positive for ASF viral DNA.
Collado said the serum specimens were subjected to another test by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of DA-General Santos City on February 9, 2021. The test showed the same results.
He said they implemented the ITC, wherein they isolate the affected areas, eliminate the infected animals and compensate the affected farmers.
Biosecurity measures were also strengthened on the remaining green zone areas of Northern Mindanao.
"Rest assured that the Regional ASF Task Force, concerned LGUs (local government units), hog industry and other stakeholders are doing its best to isolate, eliminate and compensate; manage, contain and control this viral disease," Collado said.
The regional director appealed to the public to step on the foot bath on their respective animal quarantine stations and to refrain from bringing in any pork and pork by-products from ASF-affected areas.
Collado also reminded online sellers of siomai, kikiam, longganisa and other processed pork meat products to ensure the origin of their products and to secure business permits from their respective local government units.
Backyard hog raisers should also avoid swill feeding, he added.
"For any suspected animal disease, especially on hogs, please report to your respective municipal agriculture office," Collado said.
"Let us protect the remaining green zones of the region. Northern Mindanao is the third hog-producing region nationwide," he added.