Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-CALABARZON has distributed a total of P149,966,000 interventions, as part of its ongoing Recovery and Rehabilitation Program for African swine fever (ASF)-affected farmers,. 

The interventions include livestock such as beef cattle and goats; modules for poultry like native and free-range chickens, broiler chickens, and quails; and modules for mushroom production. DA’s distribution of this assistance is in coordination with the city and municipal agriculture and veterinary offices. 

To ensure that every farmer affected by ASF receives appropriate and sustainable assistance, the regional office conducts pre-evaluation of farmer-recipients to know what possible and sustainable alternative sources of income they can operate to support their livelihoods. 

As of July 16, a total of 13,059 pig heads from 1,394 ASF-affected farmers were already depopulated for the province of Rizal, which is the first province in CALABARZON to be struck by ASF.

Meanwhile, of 1,694 ASF-affected farmers in Quezon, 8,116 swine were depopulated. Of 743 farmers, 7,060 swine were depopulated for Cavite. For Batangas, out of 476 farmers, 3,255 swine were depopulated. And lastly, 170 swine from 18 farmers have been depopulated for Laguna.

ASF is a disease that pigs have acquired, which does not affect humans. It is also contracted when healthy pigs from ASF-affected areas are infected by other pigs, humans, or equipment. This is why extensive and thorough disinfection should be performed if there is transportation of livestock or personnel to prevent unintended contamination. The signs include appetite loss, redness of skin, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

For unexplained death of pigs, contact DA CALABARZON’s Regulatory Division at (02) 8273 2474 local 4435 and Livestock Program at 0917 831 0446 or visit your provincial, city, or municipal veterinary office. ● (MAP, DA-RAFIS)