The Aklan ASF Task Force gets active to strategize preventive measures against African Swine Fever.
BANGA, Aklan – Due to the confirmed African Swine Fever case in the Province of Iloilo, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and co-chairperson of the Aklan Provincial ASF Taskforce, Dr. Maria Cyresa Leen Mabel C. Siñel, called for a conference last October 19, 2022, at the ASU Conference Hall, Banga Aklan. ATI Region 6 co-hosted the said conference.
The activity aims to gather municipal members and partner agencies to intensify awareness and strengthen collaborative efforts in the prevention of ASF from entering the province.
“ASF is both a disaster and challenge to our backyard raisers,” Mary Ann A. Ramos, ATI Region 6’s Officer-in-Charge, highlighted as she discussed the importance of the roles of partner agencies in helping swine raisers. The agency, according to Ramos, commits to supporting the OPVET’s operation to prevent the entry of ASF into Aklan.
Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) and Veterinary Quarantine Inspectors were gathered the following day to review and assess biosecurity procedures and veterinary quarantine protocols, and disposition implemented in their municipalities and border control checkpoints. Dr. Joseph Lachica, Provincial Animal Health Coordinator, headed the lectures and workshops to capacitate the biosecurity officers. The said officers lead the implementation of area risk management, monitoring, and surveillance.
Currently, the Province of Aklan remains ASF-free.
