DA-NorMin distributes P7.49-M ASF test kits to intensify biosecurity measures
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - To strengthen biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over P7.49 million worth of cPCR test kits on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
A total of 119 test kits at P63,000 each, were given to the provincial local government units of Misamis Oriental (35), Bukidnon (24) and to DA-10’s Regulatory Division (60).
After which, a demonstration was done to capacitate personnel on the usage of said equipment.
“We are thankful to DA for the test kits that we have received. This will greatly help our surveillance efforts, especially that the province is aiming towards returning to being a ‘green [ASF-free] zone’,” shared Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma.
Leading the turnover of said kits are DA-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla.
Dir. Collado noted, that apart from reinforcing its biosecurity measures, the agency continues to implement its programs and services to mitigate the effect of ASF such as offering alternative livelihood projects and the distribution of ASF indemnification to the affected hog raisers. |AMBANTO/DA-10
