MANILA, Philippines, April 10 ----- An official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed alarm that summer vacation and picnics could aggravate the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the country.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary and deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez said that ASF could be easily transmitted during the dry season. “ASF virus spreads easily during summer. While the virus can be eliminated in high temperatures, the transmission rate is high during the dry season and it can easily die during cold weather,” Estoperez said. The government is trying its best to implement the protocols of the World Organization for Animal Health to address the problem, he said.
The DA said it has yet to verify reports that the provincial government of Cebu has issued a gag order on ASF outbreaks, noting there are now 12 areas including six cities and six towns that are infected with the virus. Estoperez gave assurance that the DA would continue to reach out to Cebu even as Gov. Gwen Garcia ordered the culling operation stopped and filed cases against officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) before the Office of the Ombudsman. He said he still does not see the need for the Department of the Interior and Local Government to intervene by mandating local government units (LGUs) to follow the protocols being implemented by the DA.
We still do not need it as, just as I said, reaching out is the first step,” Estoperez said as he assured stakeholders that the DA is trying to fast-track the development of a vaccine against ASF. “We are trying to hasten the vaccine, but at present, trials are still ongoing,” he noted.
Latest data from the BAI showed that the provinces of Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batanes, Biliran, Bohol, Bukidnon, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Quirino and Romblon are still free from ASF. At least fifty-four provinces have logged ASF cases.
Source: philstar.com
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