The City of Mati Veterinarian Services Office (CVSO) is doubling its effort to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever in the city after the incident in Davao Occidental where several thousands of pigs are slaughtered after having been infected by ASF.

Dr. Marites Linsag-Erispe, CVSO chief, said that since the outbreak of ASF in Luzon and the recent outbreak in Davao Occidental, the City of Mati remains ASF-free.

She said this is due to the safety protocol they have readily implemented together with the Davao Oriental Provincial Government that created the ASF Task Force since last year.

Erispe said that with the outbreak in Davao Occidental, they are now strengthening their safety measures considering that about 35,000 pigs could be affected if ever ASF enters the city.

Erispe appealed to the public and traders for their cooperation in fighting ASF. She said that swill feeding (kaning-baboy/lamaw) must be avoided since this is one of the most common mode of transmission for ASF.

Erispe also appealed to the grocery stores to stop selling China-made pork products in their stores. It was learned that some stores continue to sell canned goods and other pork products from China in the hope of recovering their investments. 

The City Vet head said they also have banned entry of any pork coming from outside of Mati City even if they are only in minimal amount or for personal consumption. She said the border security patrol units are authorized to confiscate and destroy all pork products coming in to Mati City that does not have the necessary permits and papers. 

Erispe also appealed to the barangay officials especially those in the coastal areas to continually monitor entry of pork products by sea as some sea vessels are reportedly bringing in pork products as well.

The Mati CVSO has been relentless in its effort to prevent the entry of ASF in the city since last year by conducting regular monitoring and inspection in several markets and groceries and slaughterhouses in the city. (CIO MATI)