Guimaras logs first African Swine Fever case

The first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province of Guimaras has been
recorded. The deadly virus has been on the headline these past years worldwide as it poses a
great threat to the pork industry and the general health and welfare of all pigs – commercial and
native ones, as a whole. The early detection of the said virus is critical to stopping the virus from
spreading further from the little town it was reported. Acknowledgment for the local government
of Guimaras and the Department of Agriculture for the immediate banning of entry and exit of
all swine-related products from Buenavista town.
Commercial farms and even family-run pig farms are the ones that will feel the effects of
banning of swine and its products. These businesses will have to endure the mandate for the
greater good of every possible consumer. As pork is one of the primary protein sources, Filipinos
need to be more vigilant of the virus to be sure not to spread it to other provinces. Proper
containment of it will be the key to controlling it.
Even if the virus is not contagious and does not pose danger to humans, human activities
play an important role in the spreading of the virus. As the virus can survive on clothes, boots,
and other everyday things, alarming of the public is a must. Hopefully, no other pig farms will be
hit by this deadly virus as the Christmas season is already felt in the country. Pork is surely going
to be on the menu of most Filipinos for Noche Buena.