By Jemin B. Guillermo
In an attempt to prevent the entry of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in Western Visayas, the Iloilo-Bacolod Association of Veterinary Sales Representatives (IBAVSR) carries out a week-long caravan in Panay Island from February 8 to 12.
According to Department of Agriculture-VI (DA-6) Regulatory Division Chief Dr. Jonic F. Natividad, this IBAVSR-led info drive complements the agency’s efforts in promoting awareness among the various sectors from animal raisers to retailers, shippers/travelers, handlers, and consumers who are key players in the fight against ASF, a press release from DA-6 said.
Underlining the group’s advocacy slogan “Western Visayas: Hilway sa sakit kag matinlo nga karne sang baboy!,” campaign posters were installed in strategic locations including ports of entry and public markets.
IBAVSR members also initiated the discussions with the municipal agriculturists as they rolled out the caravan at the Dumangas Port to Banate Port, Barotac Viejo Market, Culasi Port in Ajuy, Sara, Concepcion, Bancal Port in Carles, and Estancia in Iloilo Province up to the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.
The caravan here in Panay Island sets to culminate in the towns of Alimodian, Leon, and San Miguel, Iloilo. Similar activity is set to be held on March 2 to 4 in Negros Occidental, the press release added.
Transportation of live hogs, processed pork products, and food wastes from ASF hotspots including Luzon, Mindanao, and Eastern Visayas regions are banned from entering the region to safeguard the PHP20-billion local hog industry.
“We anticipate stronger partnerships with the different sectors as we mainstream the advocacies and awareness of ASF as a dreaded hog virus. Stringent quarantine measures, disinfection, surveillance, and monitoring activities are being done now that we tie-up with the LGUs in the implementation of ‘Bantay ASF sa Barangay,’ one of the agency’s Whole-of-Nation approaches to restore the swine industry,” Natividad added.
Alongside the ASF campaign, the Regulatory Division also tightened the stakeholders’ understanding of the Republic Act (RA) 7556 or the Feeds Act and the RA 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act.
DA-WV produced posters and flyers were also distributed during the caravan on top of radio campaigns being aired over Iloilo-based stations. (PIA/Story and photo by SMHToreno/DA-RFO VI/RAFIS)
