Philippines declares “state of calamity” due to ASF

Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported in 12 regions and across 46 provinces in the Philippines since 2019.

Acting on advice from the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a nationwide “state of calamity” on 11 May that will last until the end of 2021. The declaration, part of Proclamation No1143, is expected to remain in place until the end of the year, unless circumstances change.

There is an urgent need to address the continued spread of ASF and its adverse impacts, to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the local hog industry, and to ensure the availability, adequacy, and affordability of pork products, all for the purpose of attaining food sector.

“The ASF is responsible for the significant reduction in the country’s swine population by around three million hogs, resulting in more than PHP100 billion ($2.08 billion) in losses due to the local hog sector and allied industries, and leading to increased retail prices of pork products,” the proclamation says.

“There is an urgent need to address the continued spread of ASF and its adverse impacts, to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the local hog industry, and to ensure the availability, adequacy, and affordability of pork products, all for the purpose of attaining food sector,” the order said.

According to reporting from Anadolu Agency, the deadly pig disease has spread across 12 regions and 46 provinces since it was first detected in 2019. New cases are being reported despite biosecurity measures and other interventions.

The Pig Site

Tags: Philippines, ASF, state of calamity