Suspected ASF case in Koronadal turns out negative
“This is a positive development for us as it shows that the suspected ASF has not spread,” he said in a phone interview.
Calo said they are still waiting for the release of the test results taken from the culled hogs from Sulop, which is adjacent to the ASF-hit towns of Malita and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental.
He said the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Region 12, which facilitated the testing, initially submitted the samples to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory based in this city.
They were then sent to the Bureau of Animal Industry central office’s laboratory in Quezon City for confirmatory testing.
Calo said the DA central office is expected to release the test results on Friday.
As of today, the official said the 42 culled hogs from Sulop are still considered as suspected ASF cases.[]
He said the animals were brought in by a local businessman last Jan. 29 based on the shipping permit issued by the municipal government of Sulop.
Its owner was alarmed after recording a fatality upon arrival and then another animal succumbed the following day, he said.
Calo said the businessman immediately reported the matter to the South Cotabato Veterinary Office and the city government, which ordered the culling.
“All affected animals were already buried and so the disease that affected them was already contained,” he said.
Calo said they consider the initial test result “slight good news” since the threat of the possible spread of the ASF to the area remains high.
He said the city government is currently on high alert and already implemented the necessary prevention and control measures against the ASF.
“It is important for everyone to be always vigilant and cooperate with concerned authorities in case there are suspected cases in their areas,” he said.
Calo said residents, especially hog raisers or growers, should watch out for diseases that would cause high mortality among animals.
He said a major consideration for a suspected ASF outbreak is the high morbidity within a short period.[]
“For example, if you have a stock of 10 hogs and within three days at least eight have died due to illnesses like coughing, then that’s a possible case of ASF,” he said.
The official said these cases must be reported immediately to facilitate the proper containment of the affected area. (MindaNews)
