NO LOCAL HOGS INFECTED

LINGAYEN–An African Swine Fever focal team from the Department of Agriculture strictly enforcing the 1-7-10 protocol in Mapandan town is set to recommend the restoration of Pangasinan’s status as ASF-free.

With only a few hours before October 12, the day set by the DA the incubation period of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus lapses, the provincial government expressed confidence that the DA will declare Pangasinan ASF-free again on Monday, October 14.

Butch Velasco, provincial information officer, told The PUNCH that as of 4:00 p.m. on October 11, the office of Acting Provincial Veterinarian Jovito Tabarejos has not reported  any suspected deaths by ASF in any place in Pangasinan or those within the seven-kilometer and 10-kilometer radius from Barangay Baloling in Mapandan.

The DA  Regulatory Officer Florentino Adame earlier advised the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that the incubation period of the ASF virus is from two to 19 days and the 19th day, falls on October 12, a Saturday.

Last Monday, DA Assistant Regional Director Gloria Parong reported to the provincial board members that the incursion of ASF into Pangasinan has been contained.

Parong said since the incursion on September 25, 168 hogs have been culled and buried.

Dr. Adame and Dr. Bernadette Pajarillaga, regional quarantine officer of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), supported Parong’s assertion that ASF has been contained.

He said only DA Regional Executive Director Lucrecio Alvear can issue a declaration that Pangasinan is again back as ASF-free. 

Adame told the SP since the incubation period of the ASF virus is from two to 19 days and no hogs have been reported to have died, Pangasinan can already be declared ASF-free.   

He added that quarantine checkpoints, manned by DA, provincial and Municipal Agriculture Office personnel, are still in place 24/7 in every entry and exit point of Barangay Baloling as part of the bio-security protocol prescribed by the DA central office.     

Based on the confirmation, Dr. Pajarillaga said she will also recommend the lifting of the total ban on the entry of swine into Pangasinan imposed by Gov. Amado Espino III.

According to her, she will likewise make similar recommendations to La Union and Baguio City to reopen their borders for any swine from Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Provincial Legal Officer Geraldine Baniqued said Roger Erpelo is facing complaints for falsification of public documents and for violating the executive order of Governor Espino before the City Prosecution Office in Dagupan City Charges from affected hog raisers are also expected. (Leonardo Micua)   

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