After Bacolod City Councilor Bart Orola, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets, earlier filed a resolution requesting the city government to form a task force to prevent the spread of African swine fever, Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued an Executive Order creating “Task Force African Swine Fever.”
The mayor said he created the task force in order to effectively address and devise measures to ensure the city is protected against the virus. He noted, “There is a need to adopt preventive measures in order to prevent great economic loss and to protect the city’s hog industry.”
According to the order, duties and responsibilities of the task force, which will be comprised of representatives from various city government agencies and divisions, include formulating a contingency plan for the prevention and control measures in the city.
The order also requires involved agencies to conduct massive information and awareness campaigns, along with needed interventions as a means to reduce adverse impact. Agencies were also told to ensure implementation control and quarantine measures.
Based on studies conducted by veterinarians outside the Philippines, the infection is believed to originate from ornithodoros, a type of soft-bodied tick.
Hogs are infected after they are bitten by the tick, which then contaminates their blood.
The virus has no effect on humans but there is a need for strict monitoring at airports and seaports in order to prevent the virus from entering the country./DGB, WDJ