The Department of Agriculture (DA) has established livestock checkpoints across Luzon in an effort to prevent the rapid spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Batangas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel stated that these checkpoints are a temporary measure while the government awaits the arrival of ASF vaccines.
To further enhance safety, more checkpoints will be set up until the end of the year, according to Laurel.
The Secretary assured that the DA has the necessary resources to respond swiftly to the sudden surge in ASF cases in the country. However, he expressed disappointment over the delay in securing the vaccine, which is crucial in controlling the outbreak.
Several towns have already declared a state of calamity following the latest ASF outbreak. The DA attributes the problem to hog traders selling infected pigs.
The agency has also identified central burial sites for pigs infected with ASF or those that have died from the virus.
At least 64 municipalities in 22 provinces have reported active ASF cases.