Capiz creates task force vs. African Swine Fever

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- The Capiz provincial government has created a task force that will enforce control measures to prevent the entry and spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province.

The Capiz Provincial African Swine Fever Task Force (CPASFTF) was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 008, series of 2019 issued by Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras.

The Order spells out the composition and functions of the task force and related measures that will fully implement and enforce control measures to prevent entry and spread of ASF in the province.

Under the Order, the Governor shall head the Task Force, with the Provincial Veterinarian as the Executive Officer.

The members of the Task Force include the head of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Traffic Management Group, Aviation Security Command, Maritime Command, Land Transportation Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Ports Authority and Philippine Information Agency.

Other members of the group are the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Capiz Emergency Response Team, Provincial Engineer and Staff, Provincial Agriculturist, city and municipal mayors, city veterinarian, municipal agriculturists, veterinarians of Capiz State University, barangay captains and officials, and stakeholders.

Based on the Executive Order, the functions to be done in infected zones include the movement control and manning of entry or exit points for possible illegal transport; mandatory test and slaughter of all pigs; farm shutdown, quarantine and isolation; slaughter of infected pigs in infected premises; destruction and disposal of infected carcasses and materials; and decontamination and disinfection.

The surveillance and movement control will be effected in the Quarantine Zone, while movement control such as surveillance and Infected Zones only, will be done for the Surveillance Zone.

Recently, there were confiscated pork products from China at the Kalibo International Airport by the Regional Veterinary Quarantine Services. These products tested positive of ASF.

Noting the proximity of Aklan to Capiz, the recent confiscation of ASF-infected pork products for consumption posed a major threat to the local swine industry here, hence the need to prevent the entry and spread of ASF virus in the province. (LTP/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026519
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