Neg Occ Provet lays out plans for swine industry recovery and zoning status

Government officials, veterinarians, and livestock experts convened at the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in Bacolod City to discuss strategies to revive the swine industry and upgrade zoning statuses in various cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental on October 12. The meeting, organized by the Poultry and Livestock Association (PLANO) and attended by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas Regulatory Division and Livestock Section personnel, marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat the African Swine Fever (ASF) and enhance the livestock sector.

The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen the swine repopulation program under the Swine Industry Recovery Plan of the province. The initiative aims to rebuild the swine population, which had been severely affected by ASF, by implementing comprehensive strategies and best practices. Dr. Placeda Lemana, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, led the discussion.

During the meeting, a variety of strategies were explored, including pre-senteneling activities to upgrade the identified “RED zones” to “PINK zones” in specific Local Government Units (LGUs). These zones play a crucial role in controlling and preventing the spread of ASF.

City Veterinarians, Livestock Inspectors, Livestock Technicians, and Report Officers from various cities and municipalities, along with the District Veterinarians and District Field Unit Team from the Provincial Veterinary Office, actively participated in the discussion. The Regional ASF Team provided valuable guidance and presented the necessary documentary requirements in accordance with DA AO No. 30 series of 2021.

In a related development, Negros Occidental reported a significant milestone in its fight against swine diseases. The province has effectively reduced pig deaths to single digits, a clear indicator of the success of their ASF control measures.

Ten LGUs in Negros Occidental continue to maintain their ASF-free status through rigorous disinfection protocols, strict biosecurity measures, and an intensive Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign. The province collaborates closely with the Department of Agriculture to execute various preventive and control measures. These include biosecurity training, an IEC campaign, and the regular updating of zoning maps to delineate affected and ASF-free areas.

Negros Occidental remains vigilant and proactive in its efforts to combat swine diseases, ensuring the sustainable growth of the hog-raising sector in the region. The recent meeting in Bacolod City further underlines the commitment to safeguarding the swine industry’s future and securing the health of livestock in the province.### (MCMBuala/JNatividad/DA-WV Regulatory)

Photos by DA-WV Regulatory Division