THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture XI continues to monitor African swine fever (ASF)-affected areas in Davao Region to ensure that they won’t spread out to the other communities.
During the Agribiz forum on July 9, DA XI Surveillance Section head Dr. Armie S. Capuyan said most areas in Region XI are identified as pink zones (ASF-free zones) and yellow zones (surveillance zones).
As of June 14, a total of 466 municipalities and cities were upgraded from red to pink zones, while 98 areas have transitioned from pink to yellow. She also noted an upgrade in sheltering swine livestock in farm areas.
“But then of course, even duon sa mga declared ASF free areas natin we always remind our local government units and of course farmers na magbinantayon ra gihapon. Always guards up,” she said.
Some barangay in Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental are still classified as red zones, with growers still to receive indemnification.
Capuyan urged the swine growers in red zones to submit their documentary requirements to avail of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) insurance.
She added they continue to conduct activities, advocacies, and livestock programs for information dissemination on deadly conditions affecting livestock. DA will also provide disease control measures and technical services on diagnostics, medications, and vaccinations.
“For other animal commodities natin, of course kailangan natin bantayan pati yung poultry natin because nan diyan yung possible threat of the Avian influenza,” she said.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
