ASF

What is ASF?
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. While it poses no risk to human health, ASF is devastating to the swine industry due to high mortality rates and lack of a cure or vaccine.

How is ASF transmitted?
The virus spreads through:

• Direct contact with infected pigs or wild boars.
• Consumption of contaminated pork products.
• Indirect contact via contaminated surfaces, equipment, feed, or human activities.
• Bites from infected ticks (Ornithodoros species).

Symptoms in Pigs:

• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs
• Sudden death

Regions Affected: Western Visayas includes the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

• Outbreaks have been reported sporadically in some provinces, leading to quarantines and culling.

Impact on the Swine Industry:

• Western Visayas is a key swine-producing region in the Philippines.
• ASF outbreaks have led to reduced pork supply, economic losses for farmers, and increased pork prices.

Government Response:

• Monitoring and Surveillance: Strict monitoring of swine farms and transport routes.
• Quarantine Measures: Establishment of ASF-free zones and checkpoints to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Culling and Compensation: Infected pigs are culled to contain outbreaks, with financial assistance provided to affected farmers.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Information dissemination on biosecurity practices.

For Farmers:

• Avoid feeding pigs with swill or leftover food.
• Restrict movement of pigs and personnel between farms.
• Regularly clean and disinfect facilities, equipment, and vehicles.

For Local Governments:

• Implement strict quarantine protocols.
• Regulate the transport of live pigs and pork products.
• Support ASF-free breeding and repopulation programs.

For the Public:

• Report suspicious deaths of pigs to local authorities.
• Avoid bringing pork products from ASF-affected areas.