SHORELINES along the Negros Occidental Fourth District have been alerted against the possible entry of live pigs and pork coming from Guimaras province, which was already confirmed to have African swine fever (ASF) cases, Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana said Wednesday, January 19.
The Fourth District is already aware of the situation and volunteers have been mobilizing to protect the swine industry of the province, especially since the district have several swine raisers, Lemana said.
"We are thankful that up to this time, Negros Occidental is free from ASF," she said.
She also said that based on their apprehensions the past few days, there was a reduction in the number of confiscated pork and pork products coming from affected areas because of the awareness and information dissemination drive of the province.
Last week, about P60,000 worth of pork products were seized at the airport and seaports compared to the previous weeks where about more than P200,000 worth of pork products were intercepted.
Lemana said they continue the border control of pork products through its 24/7 monitoring.
She also said they have intercepted pork products from Cebu but because it lacks the pertinent documents, it was returned to sender even if Cebu is exempted from the ban.
Meanwhile, PVO has reported a minimal damage to animals brought by heavy rains due shear line and low pressure area last week.
Lemana placed the damage at P245,565 from 12 barangays in three cities of the second and fourth district of the province. The affected areas were Sagay City, San Enrique, Bago City and La Carlota City.
Lemana also said that the provincial government has set up the Abanse Negrense Animal Health Center at the local government units to immediately respond and address any animal problem especially diseases.
The center is also giving supplements for animals and technical advise to farmers. Mobile paravets receiving allowances from the province are also assigned in the barangays to assist the farmers, she added.*