BAGUIO CITY — An outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in several barangays of Tabuk City has forced the declaration a State of Animal Health Emergency in the capital of Kalinga province.
Carmen D. Wanas, who heads the City Veterinary Services Office (CVSO), confirmed on Tuesday that the outbreak was declared in a special meeting with members of the city’s ASF task force.
Based on CVSO data, 267 hogs have died of ASF in the 13 barangays of Tabuk City and that, at present, 46 hogs are stricken with ASF.
Ms. Wanas said a total of 209 hog raisers are affected as a result of the ASF outbreak in the following villages: Dagupan West, New Tanglag, Bulanao Centro, Bulanao Norte, Bulo, Ipil, Gobgob, Naneng, Bagumbayan, Cabaruan, Appas, San Juan, and Agbannawag.
The ASF task force has called for stronger efforts from the local government to address the situation and stressed the need for more checkpoints to prevent the transport of hogs in and out of the city.
Also, officials of the different barangays affected must report new cases of ASF infections, the CVSO said. Meantime, the public was reminded to be cautious in buying fresh pork and pork products. — Artemio A. Dumlao
