The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in coordination with DA Bicol recently conducted a series of information caravans on African Swine Fever (ASF) in six towns of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. The event was in line with the observance of the 2nd Livestock and Poultry Month this October.
Over 350 hog raisers, barangay officials and Agricultural Extension Workers participated in the info caravan dubbed “May Magagawa Ako! Mga dapat malaman tungkol sa African Swine Fever” held in the municipalities of Bombon, Calabanga and Minalabac all in Camarines Sur, and in the towns of Daet, Talisay and Vinzons, all in Camarines Norte from October 18 to 20, 2022.
Representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry – National ASF Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP) discussed the frequently asked questions on ASF and biosecurity measures. The focal person from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) discussed the importance of having accredited slaughterhouses in every municipality and how the traders and consumers can help ensure meat safety. The focal person from the Phil. Crop Insurance Corporation discussed the new guidelines and steps in applying for indemnification for depopulated hogs due to ASF under the PCIC Swine Industry Insurance Program. Representatives from the Provincial LGUs presented the updates on ASF in their respective provinces.
All the info caravans were held at the Municipal Agriculture Offices and were organized by the BAI – NASFPCP in coordination with the DA 5, Regulatory Division, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS 5), Regional Veterinary Quarantine Office – V, Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center – V, and the Offices of the Provincial Agriculturists of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, as well as Municipal Agricultural Offices of the six municipalities. (LOVELLA P. GUARIN – RAFIS 5)