Animal health surveillance intensified; pigs in Cebu City barangays tested for ASF

THE Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has ramped up its animal health surveillance by conducting daily testing of pigs in different barangays to prevent the entry of African swine fever (ASF) virus.

DVMF head Dr. Jessica Maribojoc told SunStar Cebu Tuesday, March 14, 2023, that collection of blood samples from pigs in different barangays is also being conducted.

Maribojoc made the clarifications after officials and residents of Barangay Bulacao were alarmed that their village was placed under the scope of the DVMF due to reports about pig deaths.

Blood samples of pigs from Barangays Tisa, Buhisan, Cogon Pardo, Inayawan, Cambinocot, Sudlon, Busay, Toong, Sudlon 2, Lusaran, Bonbon, Baba, and Budlaan were also collected by the DVMF.

Maribojoc said all samples were submitted to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry and all turned out negative for the virus.

The city veterinarian said the City Government conducts daily tests after pigs in Carcar City in southern Cebu have recorded a positive case of the contagious pig-killing ASF virus.

Aside from animal health surveillance, the DVMF is also going to barangays that have backyard pig farmers to conduct information and education campaign about the virus.

Maribojoc said the DVMF is providing information to the backyard farmers on "strict biosecurity" now that the ASF virus is already in Cebu.

"Mao ni atong gi inform sila about strict bio-security nga applicable sa barangay level. Nga kung naa na gani siya, unsay angay buhaton nila," said Maribojoc.

(We informed them about strict bio-security that is applicable in the barangay level. They will be informed on what to do if the virus is already detected in the City.)

Maribojoc previously mentioned that the City Government is eyeing to provide compensation to farmers whose pigs will be culled if an ASF virus outbreak will be declared in the City.

Based on data from the City Agriculture Office, there are around 3,600 pigs being raised by backyard farmers located in 13 barangays in the city. (IRT)