A member of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture disinfects a vehicle transporting hogs at an animal quarantine checkpoint along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway in Tagaytay City on August 16, 2024 as part of efforts to control the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — To prevent further spreading of animal diseases, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Laurel on Wednesday permitted the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to set-up livestock, poultry and meat industry inspection sites in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Better border controls, more checkpoints sought vs African Swine Fever

Under Administrative Circular No. 10, BAI is tasked to coordinate with local government officials through the National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division in setting up quarantine checkpoints to detect cases of animal diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) or avian influenza. 

“These inspection sites should serve as a defensive wall against the spread of animal diseases that threaten not only the local livestock and poultry industries but also public health and food security,” Laurel said.

The DA mentioned that after inflicting a devastating impact on the hug industry since ASF first outbreak in 2019, it had a recent resurgence in Region 4-A while other previous affected areas are still recording reports.

According to BAI's data on their website, as of November 8, Batangas has the highest affected barangays in Region 4-A with 66 reported villages. Meanwhile, North Cotabato in Region 12 has 144 affected barangays.

Avian influenza meantime continues to be a threat to the local poultry industry. As of November 15, BAI records showed there are 134 barangays affected from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), National Capital Region (NCR), Region 3, and Region 4A.

“Given the severe economic impact on the livestock and poultry industries of bird, ASF and other diseases, it’s crucial to implement stringent disease management protocols and strategies to control their spread,” Laurel added.

The Agriculture Department notes millions of pigs and chickens have been culled to control the spread of the said animal diseases, resulting in job losses and decreased revenues. The swine and poultry industries were also emphasized as key contributors to agriculture output.

BAI is expected to assess "potential missing links" in checkpoints to ensure stiff border controls.

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