The Philippines declares a national disaster mode due to ASF

On Tuesday, May 11, the administration of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, announced a national disaster regime due to the rapid spread of African swine fever.

The Philippine Veterinary Services have been unable to curb the ASF virus since 2019. The epizootic covered most of the provinces located on more than 7100 islands belonging to this state of Southeast Asia.

President's spokesman Harry Roque has pledged that the Philippine government will do its utmost to stem the further spread of the infection, secure domestic pork supplies and lift the pig sector out of its decline.

Filipino farms have lost at least 3 million pigs due to ASF, according to government statistics. The economic damage is estimated at $ 2 billion. The epizootic has led to a sharp rise in prices for pork and meat products. For the second year now, the Philippines has been increasing imports of pig products.

SOURCE: Meatinfo