TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Veterinary Services Office (CVSO) is conducting “OPLAN ALIS ASF” activities in all barangays of the city as part of the three-month operational plan (oplan) for an African Swine Flu (ASF)-free Tabuk City.
Aside from conducting an information and education campaign as part of the oplan, City Veterinarian Dr. Carmen Wanas said they also distribute disinfectants as there is no known treatment and vaccine developed to date.
“Nagiwaras kami kadagiti disinfectant, ken insuro tayo nu kasanu agdalus nga usto ti sarili da nga kulungan,” said Wanas during the meeting with the stakeholders on April 6, 2024.
Wanas also sought assistance from feed product technicians for additional cleaning and disinfectant supplies due to occasional delays in city provisions.
She urged the technicians and barangay hog raiser representatives to assist the city in informing the people about the move.
“Namnamaen mi iti tulong yu ta isukapay nga mang-idessiminate met iti information. What we need is your cooperation in this program,” she said, noting that when they stay committed to cleaning and disinfecting their pig pens, especially during the first 30 days of the operation, the higher the chance for the city to eradicate the virus.
When that happens, according to Wanas, it will increase the city’s hog supply and, as a result, raise demand for feed items, benefiting all parties involved in the hog-raising business.
Formalization of Roles in MOA
As the first party, the City Veterinarian will provide groundwork in the conduct of barangay-based mass vaccination, and deworming; identify barangays of priority concern where animal disease outbreaks have occurred especially for zoonotic diseases; set the schedule of monthly or special meetings; provide drugs and biologics for massive vaccination and treatment and serves as secretariat during meetings.
Conversely, the primary responsibilities of the second party, the Livestock Technicians and Feed and Drugs Representatives, are to assist with mass vaccination campaigns and notify the CVSO of any unexpected animal fatalities inside the barangay.
Finally, it is the responsibility of the Livestock and Poultry Raisers to uphold and adhere to other Good Animal Husbandry practices and biosecurity protocols. Among other things, they are in charge of keeping an eye out for any indications of disease and reporting them, as well as disposing of dead animals properly.
This partnership aims to promote cooperation and joint efforts towards enhancing animal health and management practices in Tabuk City. By PIO Tabuk