THE massive spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in several hog farms in the country could have been prevented if the construction of the First Border Control (FBC) facility was not delayed and if the hog vaccination program has been systematic and organized.
This was stressed by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) and its member group Philippine Maize Federation Inc.(PMFI) as they reiterated their call on the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to approve the location of the FBC facility.
PCAFI President Danilo Fausto said they are reiteratimg their appeal as the Department of Agriculture (DA) has promised to put up the FBC facility in July last year.
“We are told there are obstacles to implement the First Border Control facility due to pending approval from the Philippine Ports Authority to give the area. So we are calling on PPA and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to cooperate and help,” said PMFI President Roger Navarro.
The PCAFI and PMFI also reiterated their appeal to the government to implement all-out all measures to spread ASF through massive vaccination.
The groups stressed that the DA and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) should get vaccines from Vietnam to stop ASF similar to how vaccination program for COVID-19 is being accelerated.
Fausto said the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has developed rapid test kits for the early detection of ASF in hogs.
