MAFAR to lead surveillance group for DA campaign vs ASF

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform-BARMM in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry, Central Office and the Provincial Veterinary Office of Maguindanao have conducted an information and surveillance campaign on African Swine Fever (ASF) municipalities of Parang on March 7-8 and in Upi on March 8-9, 2022.

Dr. Amanel Manalo, a veterinarian from DA-BAI said that it is necessary to conduct an information, surveillance and monitoring activity to prevent the widespread of the swine virus.

Manalo said although the virus is not hazardous to human health, the first case of virus infection to swine in the country was determined in 2019.

He also pointed out in the campaign the measured to combat the widespread of the virus. These include the establishment of zoning, red zone for infected, pink zone for surveillance and green zone for ASF-free; control of in and out of swine from one place to another; disinfection and cleaning; surveillance and monitoring; bury the dead swine and no permission of swine raining in infected area.

To undertake the surveillance and monitoring activity, blood samples were taken from swine and environmental swab in hog pens in the barangays of Nituan, Making, Kaluwang and Landasan in Parang.

In Upi, the activity was conducted in the baranagys of Blensong, Rempes, Bungabungan, Kaba-kaba, Darugao and barangay Nangi. A total of 300 blood samples of swine were collected and to be tested either positive or not to ASF virus.

Together with Manalo in conducting the said activity are Dr. Navarra  of the DA-BAI, BARMM; Dr. Rahiema Mangindra of the MAFAR-BARMM; Abidah Ali, representing the Provincial Veterinary Office and livestock inspectors.