The Iloilo provincial government distributed disinfectants and other supplies to small hold farmers to tighten up biosecurity measures against the African Swine Fever (ASF) at the backyard farm level.

The province purchased 1,600 hand sprays, jute sacks, and disinfectants worth P3 million which were sourced from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) fund.

The information, education, and communication (IEC) materials such as tarpaulins and flyers were donated by the private sector.

Provincial administrator Atty. Suzette Mamon and Provincial Veterinary Office chief Dr. Darel Tabuada led the ceremonial distribution to the municipalities of Oton and Sta. Barbara through their Municipal Agriculture Officers yesterday.

Tabuada said this prevention measure is the response of the province to the declaration of a nationwide state of calamity due to ASF outbreaks.

The private sector will utilize their technicians to assist the disinfection at the farm level.

The province of Iloilo remains ASF-free.

As of January 1, 2021, Iloilo posted a total swine inventory of 408,270 heads of 343,840 heads (84.22%) were from backyard farms and 64,430 heads (15.78%) from commercial farms./WDJ