Another village in the province of Ilocos Norte has been added to the red zone map of African swine fever (ASF), provincial veterinarian Loida Valenzuela confirmed on Wednesday.
In an interview, Valenzuela said surveillance operation is ongoing within the 300-meter radius of the affected piggery farm in Barangay Alejo Malasig in Vintar town, as around 300 pigs are needed to be culled to arrest the further spread of ASF to nearby areas.
The village of Rayuray in the city of Batac has been tagged recently as a red zone area due to single case of ASF. Fortunately, it was immediately contained due to the villagers’ cooperation with the Bantay ASF Task Force.
“We are encouraging our livestock raisers to observe biosecurity measures both housing improvement and change in their hog raising practices,” Valenzuela told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.
To minimize damage, farmer-clients are advised to insure their livestock to protect their source of livelihood.
“Good thing the affected farm (in Vintar) has insured breeders,” Valenzuela said, adding that insurance guarantees the recovery of investment.
Hogs in areas under red zone due to ASF are restricted for travel in Ilocos Norte. The entry or exit of processed meat is likewise prohibited.