DA-13 turns over sentinel piglets to 2 SurSur towns affected by ASF
SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur -- As a prelude for hog
repopulation on the African Swine Fever (ASF)-hit municipalities in the region,
the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Regional ASF Task Force delivered
"sentinel piglets" to the Municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel, in
the province of Surigao del Sur on Friday, January 28.
The sentineling program or protocol is a
science-based approach, which ascertains if a virus or disease is still present
in a certain area. For an ASF-hit area to be endorsed for sentineling, there
should be no detected cases and reports of related swine deaths for
approximately 12 months. The piglets will undergo a 40-day experimental period
including its downtime and environmental swabbing guaranteeing that affected
hog raisers must conform to the Biosecurity Level 1. Once completed, the area
will then be subjected to repopulation.
In Barangay Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, 16
piglets were distributed to eight hog raisers while in Barangay Magroyong, San
Miguel, Surigao del Sur, 17 piglets were apportioned to 17 affected hog raisers.
According to Regional ASF Coordinator Dr. Apple C.
Jaromahum, the municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel were the first areas
where the virus was detected, however, the areas were quick to contain and
mitigate the further spreading of the virus.
Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega also
lauded the efforts of the municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel for their
quick response and cooperation.
"On behalf of the Department of Agriculture,
we congratulate our LGUs for being supportive and compliant with all of the
regulatory measures and the quick assistance to our affected hog raisers. And
most definitely to our hog raisers who gave their utmost cooperation and for
being extra patient despite the circumstances and losses. That's why we are very
optimistic that this will be successful because of your efforts," said RTD
Atega.
Apart from the piglets, the Livestock Program also
apportioned feeds and necessary drugs, biologics, and antiviral agents for the
recipients. (DA-CAraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
