DAVAO CITY – The Mati City government in Davao Oriental has implemented strict measures to regulate the movement of live hogs, pork, and related products to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
In a statement Wednesday, local authorities said the restrictions are proactive steps to keep Mati free of ASF, as the city remains unaffected by the virus.
"We have submitted several samples for testing, and most have returned negative," said Marites Erispe, head of the Mati City Veterinarian Services Office (CVSO), noting that results for six remaining samples are still pending.
On Aug. 28, Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat issued an order restricting the entry and exit of all "undocumented swine, pork, pork-related products, and by-products" within the city.
Erispe said the restrictions are necessary to ensure protocols are in place if any of the remaining samples test positive for ASF.
The order mandates that live hogs entering Mati must be accompanied by an ASF-free certificate, a shipping permit, and a veterinary health certificate (VHC).
Additionally, barangays with reported animal morbidities or mortalities are instructed to enforce strict biosecurity protocols immediately.
Technicians from private companies must coordinate with the CVSO before visiting any farms in Mati City, and are prohibited from visiting areas with reported ASF outbreaks to prevent cross-contamination.
Rabat has tasked the Incident Management Team (IMT) for ASF, avian influenza, and other emerging diseases to work closely with national government agencies to enforce the order strictly.
Violators of the order will face penalties as prescribed by law, she added. (PNA)
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