The Bohol Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Bing Lapiz has appealed to the public to support and cooperate with the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the province.
Dr. Lapiz said that Bohol remains ASF-free as of August 2023, thanks to the strict implementation of containment measures, including monitoring and surveillance, quarantine checkpoints, and biosecurity protocols.
She thanked the local government units, the Department of Agriculture, and the private sector for their collaboration and assistance in keeping the province safe from the deadly pig disease.
However, she warned that the threat of ASF is still present, especially with the reported cases in nearby provinces such as Cebu and Negros Oriental.
She urged the Boholanos to follow the policies and guidelines issued by the provincial government, such as:
– Not bringing in live pigs or pork products from ASF-affected areas without proper permits and certificates.
– Not feeding pigs with swill or leftover food that may contain contaminated meat.
– Reporting any unusual signs or symptoms of pigs, such as high fever, loss of appetite, skin lesions, bleeding, and sudden death.
– Cooperating with the authorities in case of culling or disposal of infected or exposed pigs.
Dr. Lapiz said that these measures are necessary to protect the swine industry in Bohol, which is a major source of livelihood and income for many farmers and entrepreneurs.
She also assured the public that pork products sold in Bohol are safe for consumption, as long as they are properly cooked and handled.
She encouraged the consumers to buy local pork and support the local producers who are following the standards and regulations.
She said that by working together, Bohol can overcome the challenge of ASF and maintain its status as a swine-free province.