THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged hog raisers to report African swine fever (ASF)-infected hogs to prevent the further spread of the disease that is affecting the country’s hog industry.
In a press release, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the DA through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (DA-PCIC) is increasing its indemnity for hogs culled due to ASF.
“Through the PCIC insurance program, we are doubling the indemnification payout for every pig that contracts ASF from P5,000 to P10,000. With the increased indemnity, hog raisers are encouraged to report affected pigs, thus controlling the ASF from spreading,” the DA chief said.
This is to intensify efforts to encourage hog raisers badly hit by ASF to get back to business and subsequently stabilize pork supply and prices.
In Central Visayas, the DA 7 maintained its stringent efforts to keep the region ASF-free, with Bohol and Negros Oriental supporting Metro Manila in its hog supply.
The DA 7 said the region will focus on hog repopulation and will enforce stricter quarantine measures.
According to Dar, the PCIC swine industry insurance program strongly complements the DA’s twin program of Bantay ASF sa Barangay to effectively control, contain and manage the ASF, and the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion or hog repopulation program to revive the country’s swine industry.