MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Tuesday that intensified border control and surveillance testing have been effective in containing the spread of African swine fever (ASF) across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, recent efforts have led to the interception of 11 ASF-positive hogs from two trucks at livestock checkpoints in Quezon City and Valenzuela City on August 17. The transporters were found to be using recycled local shipping permits. Additional ASF-positive hogs were also seized from three other trucks carrying 60, 87, and 14 hogs at various checkpoints in Metro Manila.
“The border control we established is effective in arresting those trying to smuggle infected hogs, preventing the spread of ASF from south to north or from north to south,” De Mesa said in a phone interview. He highlighted the importance of surveillance testing, which has increased to better identify and contain the spread of ASF.
Biosecurity and surveillance checkpoints are currently in place at key locations, including Commonwealth, Mindanao Avenue, Tandang Sora, and EDSA Balintawak in Quezon City; Marulas and Malanday in Valenzuela City; and additional checkpoints in Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite.