DA orders enhanced inspections to curb ASF, avian flu spread

The Department of Agriculture (DA) ordered on Wednesday to enhance inspection checkpoints in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces to prevent the spread of animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that these inspection sites are crucial for protecting public health, food security, and local livestock industries.

As of Nov. 8, 102 municipalities across 20 provinces had active ASF cases while 51 municipalities across seven provinces remain affected by avian influenza, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported.

The DA is setting up additional livestock, poultry, and meat quarantine facilities around Metro Manila to further curb disease spread.

Under Administrative Circular No. 10, BAI is tasked with coordinating with local government officials through the National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division in setting up these quarantine checkpoints.

Millions of pigs and chickens have been culled to control disease spread, resulting in significant economic losses for the livestock and poultry industries.