THE provincial government continues to avert the spread of dreaded African Swine Fever (ASF) despite complaints of inconvenience of the motorists by implementing the traffic rerouting in entering and outgoing Panglao island, the premier tourist island in the province.
The Provincial Inter-Agency African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force has strengthened border control by prohibiting the exit of live pigs, pork meat, and pork products from the whole of Panglao Island, comprised of the towns of Dauis and Panglao.
This came following the town of Dauis was placed under a state of calamity due to rising cases of African Swine Fever (ASF).
The Dauis Sangguniang Bayan approved the resolution that placed the province under a state of calamity on Tuesday, April 23.
Some 100 swine deaths were reported due to the confirmed positive in ASF in some of the barangays of Dauis town, just across the narrow sea channel facing the capital Tagbilaran City, and in time for the fiesta month of May.
Strict traffic and border control implementation was effective yesterday starting 1:00 in the morning (April 23, 2024). Those going to Panglao island, will have to pass by a causeway and exit point in another causeway to Tagbilaran City from Panglao island, the tourism capital of Bohol. Each vehicle, including motorcycles, is required to secure ASF pass when crossing the exit point and then give it to authorities. No pass will be subjected to physical inspection of the vehicle.
Gov. Aris Aumentado said in interview that law enforcers are called upon to strictly implement the traffic and border measure for 24/7 to contain ASF spread.
The prohibition of transit of live pigs, pork meat and other pork-related products from Panglao Island into mainland Bohol is mandated by executive order No 13, series of 2024 issued by Aumentado.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) said that based on reports it received on April 17 “multiple illnesses and deaths of pigs in Purok 5 in Barangay Mayacabac, Purok 1 in Barangay Mariveles, and Purok 4 in Barangay Biking, Dauis town.”
The Bohol provincial government remains committed to be vigilant in protecting the P6-billion livestock and poultry industry to secure food security in the province. Livestock industry comprised of mostly backyard piggery, about 90%, and only 10% are into large scale venture.
PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the ongoing El Niño, its effect on the local climate, and the possibility of La Niña. Moreover, areas potential for meteorological dry spells and drought will be updated and disseminated accordingly. Consequently, all government agencies concerned and the general public are encouraged to take precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of the said phenomena. For more information, please contact the Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CAD) at 8284-0800, extension 4920 or 4921.
According to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, barangays Mayacabac, Biking and Mariveles in Dauis had reported cases of ASF. At least 59 pigs were dead showing signs and symptoms of ASF.
Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Livestock and Poultry and concurrent Officer-in-Charge Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Dr. Constante Palabrica had a meeting with Gov. Aris Aumentado, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, provincial veterinarian Stella Marie Lapiz and other national agencies on Tuesday.
According to Palabrica, among the islands in the whole country, Bohol is one of the Top 3 ASF free provinces along with Siquijor and Palawan. (rvo w/BIN)
