0
To expedite the government-controlled vaccination against African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture has expanded its rollout nationwide, including commercial farms and swine herds, under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)-accredited and private laboratories may be utilized for testing the blood samples of hogs in coordination with local government units.
Authorized BAI personnel must be allowed to conduct farm inspections, alongside biosecurity measures and readiness assessments. Commercial farm veterinarians may also be allowed to collect and submit blood samples from 8% of their pig population for required testing, as well as continuous monitoring for the development of immunity. Only healthy and ASF-negative growers or hogs at least six weeks of age and older may be vaccinated.
As of October 18, there are 505 red (infected) zones in 108 municipalities in 10 regions, a decrease from 534 red zones last October 2. The areas with the highest number of red zones are North Cotabato with 140, Batangas with 75, Camarines Sur with 51, La Union with 42, and Quezon with 37.
October 22, 2024, Philippine News Agency/ Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph
