ProVet clarifies “ASF-Free” declaration takes long; goes through process

 By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, May 20 (PIA) - The Provincial Veterinary Office clarifies that declaring or certifying as African Swine Flu (ASF)-free an area tagged as red zone due to ASF infection, follows a stringent process and the road to certification may be months-long.

 

Dr. Efren Davin of the Provincial Veterinary Office explained, after conducting depopulation of infected swine or hog, “we have to observe for 30 days, daily disinfection is a must within the 30 day-period.” 

 

When the 30-day observation and disinfection period is over, “there is what we call 60 days rest period,” he said, after which, an environmental sampling in infected areas is conducted. “Pag naa pa makuha nga kagaw during the sampling, mag sugud napud sa uno sa disinfection,” (if the result in the environmental sampling yielded positive infection, then we are back to square one and conduct again another 30-day disinfection). He said the process will go on and on until a result of negative infection is reached.

 

“Kung nag negative result na sa environmental sampling, mag release ta ug baboy o mag buhig animal sa area nga naapektohan sa ASF, if after two to three months, wala nag manifest ang mananap any clinical signs of ASF, p’wede na mag sugod atong mga farmers mag buhi usab ug mga baboy.” (if the result in the environmental sampling is negative for the infection, we will then release or raised a sample hog, if within two to three months, the sample did not manifest any clinical signs of ASF, the farmers can once again start with their hog raising.)

 

This clarification came following talks circulating that the red zone areas are allegedly ASF-free already after the conduct of depopulation.

It can be recalled, two barangays in the municipality of Buug and another two barangays in R.T.Lim were put under red zone following confirmation from the Bureau of Animal Industry of the presence of ASF in the said areas. 

To contain the spread of the ASF virus, concerned offices immediately conducted depopulation to more than a hundred hogs. Meanwhile, the Provincial Government issued and executive order for the temporary total ban on movement of all swine, pork, pork-related products and by-products. Security measures were also strengthened specially in major checkpoints / entry points in Buug, Titay and Tungawan.

 

Meanwhile , Dr. Davin assured that pork meat available in the province is still safe to eat “ligtas pa ring kainin ang karneng baboy basta’t ito ay dumaan sa saktong meat inspection o kinatay sa lehitimomg slaughter houses.” (EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)