The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to regulate the movement of livestock transport vehicles, especially those coming from the “red zone,” to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) to the province.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena met with the city veterinarians and livestock technicians Wednesday, March 17, to continue intensifying its ASF measures now that only four regions in the country, including Western and Central Visayas, remain free from the dreaded virus.
Decena said that only those with registered truck carriers will be allowed to sell and buy from the livestock auction markets in the province.
He added that 173 trucks have been registered by the buyers and breeders since the executive order of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson that establishes regulations on their entry to and exit from Negros Occidental was implemented in early March.
Trucks from the province delivering stocks to “red zones,” or areas affected by ASF such as Metro Manila, will be placed under downtime for seven days before they can return to Negros Occidental, he said.
Only livestock carriers from the “green zones,” or ASF-free areas, will be allowed to enter the province, Decena stressed.
As of March 14, the province had exported 2,955 liveweight to Manila, Decena said, adding that he is expecting the figure to increase by end of the month.*