OPVet Updates SP on ASF Status in La Union, Assures Public of ASF-Free Pork Supply in LU Amid Case Record

By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC – SP; Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero,PIO | Photos By: Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Date: October 1, 2024


The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) assured the public that pork sold in local markets in La Union remains ASF-free and there is a sufficient supply, despite the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the province.

This confidence stems from the stringent measures implemented by the OPVet to control the spread of ASF and protect the swine industry as reported by Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Domingo Bobby C. Calub III, to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during the 118th Regular Session of the 23rd SP on October 1, 2024, following a request of SP Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources to discuss the ASF situation in La Union.

During the Question Hour, Dr. Calub reported that as of September 23, 2024, ASF cases have been identified in Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, Bacnotan, San Juan, Santol, Rosario and City of San Fernando, with 55 index cases, 2,999 pigs culled, and 402 hog raisers affected. Disease was spread through slaughtering or “uraga” and contamination through flies.

Dr. Calub also highlighted OPVet’s ongoing measures such as culling, ASF testing, quarantine checkpoints, farm biosecurity, and the strict enforcement of Provincial Ordinance No. 417-2023, which regulates animal quarantine to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. He also assured that financial and technical assistance have been extended to affected raisers, and called for stricter penalties for ordinance violations, proposing amendments to empower barangay officials in enforcing quarantine laws.

The SP urged OPVet to explore additional measures, including ASF vaccine studies, enhanced monitoring, and stronger collaboration with national agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders, to bolster the resilience of La Union’s swine industry against ASF.

With the foregoing situation, Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David reaffirms the PGLU's commitment to safeguard the swine industry and ensuring a stable supply of ASF-free pork for all kaPROBINSYAnihan.

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