MANILA, Philippines — Six areas in Batangas have been removed from the African swine fever (ASF) red zone.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar said Malvar, Nasugbu, Rosario, San Jose, Taysan and Lipa City are the first areas in the country to be cleared of ASF.
Bureau of Animal Industry Director Reildrin Morales said the declaration of the ASF-free status is pursuant to the provisions of DA administrative orders on control, prevention and repopulation of previously affected areas.
“All these are guided by scientific procedures, such as complete surveillance and monitoring and implementation of sentinelling program of DA,” Morales said.
Dar commended concerned local chief executives and veterinarians for managing the swine disease in their areas.
He said the successful implementation of projects contributed to the decline in the number of outbreaks.
Dar also cited the lessons learned in the fight against ASF, including farm clustering, improvements in technology and biosecurity measures as well as the development of vaccines.
“The solution at the top of the biosecurity measures that we are promoting is the vaccine against ASF,” he said.
In April, the DA announced that the BAI is collaborating with an unidentified US vaccine company and global animal healthcare company Zoetis for the vaccine trials.
As of July 5, reports submitted to the World Organization for Animal Health show that ASF spread to 12 regions, 50 provinces, 541 towns and cities and 2836 barangays across the country.