MAASIN CITY - In response to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in nearby towns, Maasin City has initiated comprehensive measures to forestall the disease's spread within its jurisdiction. Mayor Nacional Mercado has spearheaded these preventive actions, focusing on community health and agricultural stability.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Mercado has mandated the mobilization of village responders, stringent quarantine enforcement, and establishment of checkpoints to manage animal movement. These steps are part of a broader strategy that includes continuous disease monitoring, public education on ASF, and the review of local ASF-related policies.
"The city government of Maasin is fully committed to safeguarding the health and safety of both our residents and livestock," Mercado assured. This statement comes in the wake of ASF outbreaks in the Southern Leyte towns of Silago, Malitbog, and Bontoc, affecting numerous farmers and livestock.
Following the ASF detections, Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor initially declared a 'pork holiday' to mitigate the spread, a restriction that has since been adjusted based on veterinary guidance. Meanwhile, Bontoc has implemented a temporary slaughter and sale ban of pork products to contain the disease.
These measures reflect the local governments' proactive stance against ASF, aiming to minimize its impact on the community and the region's agricultural economy.