SINAG: ASF-affected LGUs must declare state of calamity
THE Samahan ng Industriyang Agrikultura (SINAG) is urging local government units affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) to declare state of calamity to help the affected hog raisers.
Rosendo So, Sinag chairman, told the KBP Forum last Thursday that a declaration will at least ease the financial losses suffered by affected hog raisers, particularly by those engaged in backyard piggery.
As of Feb. 26, 14 towns and three cities in Pangasinan were only hit by ASF but only Mapandan, Bayambang, Malasiqui, Binmaley, San Carlos City, Calasiao and Mangaldan, have placed their areas under state of calamity.
He advised the affected hog raisers to consider raising other animals like sheep, goat or rabbit at least for a year to help prevent the recurrence of the virus.
He, however, pointed out that number of ASF-affected hogs in the province is still low vis-a- vis the pig population in Pangasinan and still far below the pig population nationwide even as he noted that the spread of ASF, not only in Pangsinan, but also to other areas is going an upward trend.
On a positive note, So said pork consumers are finally aware that ASF is not transmitted from pig to human unlike last year “when the scare was at its peak”.
He discouraged consumers to buy slaughtered pigs from backyard raisers because the latter resort to it to hide their affected pigs and therefore contribute to the spread of the virus.
Supply of pork remains stable and so is the price, he noted. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)
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