2 C. Luzon areas quarantined to stop possible ASF spread

Central Luzon is outlined in red (Image from Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture said on Saturday that it had quarantined two areas in Central Luzon due to prevent the spread of possible cases of the African swine fever (ASF).

Agriculture Secretary William Dar revealed this in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

But, asked which areas were quarantined, he said: “We cannot name them now. We are implementing the protocol 1-7-10 so that these areas can be managed, well-contained and to control the virus.”

At a press conference last Wednesday, the Noel Reyes, DA spokesperson explained the protocol as follows:

All pigs within a 1-km radius of infected farms will be culled. Quarantine checkpoints will be set up in strategic locations to prevent the transport of live pigs, pork, and pork-related products.

The DA and other concerned agencies will conduct surveillance on other pig farms within a 7-km radius of infected farms. They will test the pigs to determine the extent of the infection and limit their movement.

All other pig farms within a 10-km radius of infected farms will be required to submit a mandatory report on the disease.

Reyes gave the press conference in connection with reported diseases in pigs in certain areas in Bulacan and Rizal provinces.

On Saturday, Dar was asked how big is the problem in the two Central Luzon.

He said: “These are comparable to [the problem in Rodriguez, Rizal].”

The DA previously confirmed the presence of the ASF in the Philippines but said there was no epidemic.

According to Dar, more than 7,400 pigs in farms in Antipolo City and Rodriguez in Rizal province and in Guiguinto in Bulacan province were culled to prevent the spread of ASF.

READ: DA: African swine fever in PH; pork safe

/atm