By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government’s anti-African swine fever task force recently set up checkpoints in Kabankalan City. According to Provincial Veterinary Office head, Dr. Renante Decena, the checkpoints were made in order to prevent the entry of hogs potentially contaminated with African swine fever.
Aside from the task force, Decena said the Kabankalan City government also formed their own anti-African swine fever task force, which will augment their checkpoint personnel.
Last week, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued an executive order implementing a 90-day entry ban for pork products coming from Luzon.
Lacson also assured pork local to the province is clean and free of African swine fever. However, he acknowledged, when moving pigs from the province, they must still acquire the proper permits.
“All local government units now are vigilant and requiring permits for pork and processed products is understandable,” the governor added./DGB, WDJ