LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Region 5 (DA-5) has declared at least nine municipalities in the Bicol region free from African swine fever (ASF).
“For Albay, we have Malilipot, Ligao, Daraga, Malinao and Pioduran while in Sorsogon we have two towns, Bulan and Sta. Magdalena. Two towns in Camarines Sur — Canaman and Iriga City” are also ASF-free,” DA-5 spokesperson, Emily Bordado, said in an interview.
She said the nine towns were given an ASF-free status after they have complied with DA Administrative Order No. 30 series of 2021, the Guidelines on the Recovery and Declaration of Freedom from ASF for LGUs (local government units).
“Pertinent documents must be submitted and procedures (followed) for zone progression and local declaration of ASF-free status,” Bordado said.
Among others, the requirements include a copy of the municipal ordinance on the adoption of the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” program, farm registry of the municipality as proof of membership, a list of training on swine bio-security attended by LGU staff, summary of ASF history in the municipalities including the outbreaks, surveillance, and measures taken to prevent return of ASF in the area.
Some supporting documents are also required for submission, like narrative reports on the start of repopulation procedures including negative disease monitoring reports and surveillance test results, and the bi-annual ASF surveillance results.
Bordado said they anticipate other towns in the region to be declared ASF-free shortly.
Under DA Administrative Order No. 30 series of 2021, all LGUs with no reported outbreak for at least 40 days from the last day of cleaning and disinfection are eligible for ASF-free declaration.
