Barangay biosafety officers (BBOs) are actively operating in 22 towns and cities across Negros Oriental to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

Jaymar Vilos, spokesperson for the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), told the Philippine News Agency yesterday that each local government unit (LGU) deployed three BBOs to monitor communities and submit monthly reports related to ASF surveillance.

“The national government issued guidelines for establishing barangay biosafety security officers in January this year and LGUs complied by June. The BBOs became fully operational in October,” Vilos said.

BBOs receive compensation from the national government through the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Three LGUs (Dauin, Baco and Canlaon City) that did not meet the deadline are no longer eligible for the national government incentive.

Trained by the Agriculture Training Institute, DA Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office and the PVO, BBOs are responsible for collecting blood samples and other monitoring activities essential to ASF prevention.

In addition to facilitating rapid government action in case of an ASF outbreak, the BBOs’ monthly reports support LGU decision-making regarding the trade of live hogs.

Currently, no new ASF cases have been reported in Negros Oriental since the last outbreak in Valencia town in September.

The PVO has confirmed that live hogs may now be shipped from the province, provided LGUs can certify ASF-free status. (PNA)