Rep Lee urges DA to boost biosecurity checkpoints for ASF

Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday to establish more biosecurity checkpoints along major roads and seaports to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

Lee highlighted that hog raisers are losing millions due to ASF, stressing the need for increased vigilance.

The DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recently seized two trucks carrying infected hogs in Quezon City en route to Pangasinan.

As of Aug. 8, 2024, 11 regions, 22 provinces, and 64 municipalities are affected by ASF, with North Cotabato being the hardest-hit area.

Lee called for collaboration between the DA and agencies like the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to augment biosecurity efforts.

He emphasized that partnering with these agencies is crucial in genuinely curbing ASF's spread, urging all hands on deck to address the issue.