Central Visayas Animal Disease Surveillance Advisory Committee (CVADSAC) monthly meeting held at a hotel in Cebu City.

Two dreaded and economically disruptive animal diseases are the focus of discussion today, July 12, 2022 during the Central Visayas Animal Disease Surveillance Advisory Committee (CVADSAC) monthly meeting held at a hotel in Cebu City.

These animal diseases are the African Swine Fever (ASF) and the Avian Influenza (AI) virus or Bird Flu.

The CVADSAC, composed of the provincial and city veterinarians, discussed strategies and recommendations to further prevent the entry and spread of ASF and Bird Flu in the region. They group likewise requested for a simple recognition from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for their strong animal disease surveillance

and initiatives, that until now, the the provinces and cities of Central Visayas remain ASF and Bird Flu free.

Dr. Sam Castro, a veterinarian and the Deputy Coordinator of the National African Swine Fever Prevention and Control Program of BAI, recommended to CVADSAC, that in order for the region to remain its status as ASF and AI free, there is a need to strengthen more the surveillance and monitoring system, as well as capability awareness such as information caravans and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

While in Cebu, the team of the BAI ASF National Task Force headed by Dr. Castro, also met in another meeting with the swine stakeholders in the region.