KORONADAL CITY- The Provincial Veterinary Office pushed for the implementation of “BABES” Campaign an immediate action to cut the chain of African Swine Fever (ASF) from spreading and entering the South Cotabato Province after its reported case in the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan.
Dra. Flora Bigot, Provincial Veterinary Officer, said that the national government has the strategy on pushing “BABES” campaign this means: Ban pork imports- China, etc., Avoid swill feeding, Block entry at international ports, Educate our people, and Submit samples.
“The purpose of this campaign is to ensure that ASF could not enter the province and also to educate our hog raisers, consumers and farmers on the peril brought by this virus,” Bigot said.
ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease of pigs, warthogs, European wild boar and American wild pigs.
In severe form, ASF is characterized by high fever, loss of appetite, hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs, and death in 2-10 day on average. Mortality rates may be as high as 100%.
Way back in the year 1907, where African swine fever originate in Africa and then spread parts of Europe. Trading and feeding of infected meat are the reason of spreading the virus all throughout the country.
“With the media people around and strong information drive, they can help us educate our farmers regarding this problem… magtulungan po talaga tayo.” Dra. Bigot appeal.
The municipal/city veterinary and agriculture officer, PEMO, biotech farms, private association of hog raisers, NMIS, BAI, and FDA participated in the activity.
