Experts test for African Swine Fever in villages near Kidapawan City

[ASEAN NOW News]

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A team of experts from the Department of Agriculture Region-12 conducted an environmental assessment on areas here affected by the African swine fever (ASF) yesterday.

 

FIELD ASSESSMENT. A team of experts from the Department of Agriculture – Region 12 gather samples on Thursday (Aug. 19, 2021) from farm water sources and piggeries for laboratory testing of African swine fever in five villages of Kidapawan City earlier this year. Once cleared from ASF, the villages of Linangkob, Paco, Sikitan, Gayola and Mua-an can return to their hog-raising livelihood. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan CIO)

 

City veterinarian Dr. Eugene Gornez said today Friday August 20th, that the experts gathered samples from hog farm water sources, piggeries and even swabbed hogs in the ASF-infected villages that include Linangkob, Paco, Sikitan, Gayola, and Mua-an.

 

“Hundreds of sample specimens were collected for testing to determine if the ASF virus persists on the five villages,” Gornez said.

 

The samples will be brought to the DA’s Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in General Santos City, and the results will be announced a week later, Gornez added.

 

file photo

 

He explained that if a negative ASF result came out from the affected villages, bio-security measures would be strictly implemented in all the villages to ensure the safety of hog meat in the market.

 

“Such measure includes the installation of septic tanks, perimeter nets, foot bath and shields intended for caretakers,” he said.

 

Based on the record, the ASF has affected 142 hog raisers in the city from January to April this year.

The DA-12 and the city government earlier extended assistance to the affected hog raisers. (PNA)