By:DONALD SEVILLA
A VIRAL SCARE
Now it can be told that the recent deaths of pigs in a mountain barangay in Pilar town was confirmed due to ASF. This feared malady of the swine industry in our province threatens the fragile balance of our economy not having fully recovered from the pandemic.
Yet come to think of it, we survived covid with stringent protocols and lockdowns.Though unpopular it was responsible for us breezing through the worst of disasters that brought the world to a standstill and drastically changed our way of life.
But what is this ASF or African Swine Fever that has now reached us?
” African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality. ASF is a different disease to swine flu.”
While it has similar origins to covid being viral in nature, the consolation is that there is no proven scientific basis for an animal/ swine to human transmission. So we need not worry much on this aspect.
However the repercussions to our economy and our hog raising industry can be disastrous. Small backyard hog growers are most at risk and are vulnerable compared to larger, commercial farms.
Let it be noted that Bohol has one of the largest commercial hog farms hereabouts and one can just imagine the economic fallout when our pork is banned for shipment outside our province because of ASF.
Yet, quite surprisingly despite our large scale swine production even before the advent of ASF, prices of pork and pork products have been steadily rising. Similarly, while we are an island surrounded by bountiful seas, our fish and seafood are exceptionally expensive.
So what gives? Are we a province run by monopolies and big business that dictate and influence crucial policy decisions? While ASF may not be proven harmful to humans as yet why the fuss about it and the extra lengths we go to contain its spread?
Understandably economics play a great role in our responses. Who are we truly protecting? The small Juans who comprise a majority of our people or the few big guys who control and monopolize the industry?
In good times big business reap huge profits and give back a token to the local community. But in bad times we bear the brunt and share the burden.
While we could have reaped the benefits of having major industries based in our shores such as swine production and tourism, have we?
Our province has been known for a lot of beautiful things but has earned, too, a notorious reputation for being expensive. But with ASF lurking around the corner and God forbid, a large scale outbreak, we might as well go vegan!