SCIENCE has been effective in controlling bacteria, viruses and other microscopic organisms that attack humans and animals. The process of fighting these pesky living things that sometimes spell the difference between death and survival of mankind is, however, long and tedious, so that it behooves governments all over the world to anticipate any outbreak of epidemics, whether involving animals or human beings.
Aside from anticipation, the health and environment authorities should get a clear picture of an epidemic or pandemic as early as possible, and act accordingly to stem the tide of the disaster.
That is the legacy lesson that we learned from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020-2022, along with various outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) that has hit the hog industry hard in the country over several years.
‘We understand that the ASF situation calls for swift and decisive measures, and the livelihood and survival of the whole hog industry depends on the government’s timely action.’
ASF outbreaks which are triggered by the fast-multiplying ASF virus are, again, reported in at least two provinces in Luzon — Batangas and La Union, with the rich Calabarzon region being hit the hardest.
The provincial veterinary office of Batangas reported to the Department of Agriculture (DA) that at least 150 barangays have been affected by the African swine fever. Among the towns reeling from the ASF outbreaks are Lobo, Calatagan, Lian, Talisay, Rosario, and Lipa.
The losses and devastation caused by ASF are mind-boggling, especially in Batangas where there is traditionally a thriving hog industry. In Lobo town, the mayor said the losses incurred by the municipality have reached P100 million. The residents of 20 barangays have culled more than 10,000 hogs to prevent the virus from spreading to other barangays.
In La Union, the DA Region 1 office recorded 48 new ASF cases in barangay Namtutan, San Fernando City. Cases were also reported in the towns of Balaoan and Luna.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, who is also the department’s spokesman, said the last month’s massive floodings caused by typhoon “Carina” and the strong monsoon rains had caused the ASF outbreaks. Responding to the situation, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered an immediate emergency procurement of ASF vaccines to address the outbreaks in Batangas and La Union.
The vaccines could be available later this month.
The agriculture department said Batangas will be the first to be covered by the controlled ASF vaccination, the province being one of the major producers of pork and pork products.
Since the DA’s need for an initial 10,000 doses of ASF vaccines is indeed in the nature of an emergency, it was explained that the purchase will not undergo the usual bidding process of the government.
We understand that the ASF situation calls for swift and decisive measures, and the livelihood and survival of the whole hog industry depends on the government’s timely action. In these extraordinary circumstances, emergency procurement without competitive bidding is acceptable.
