African swine fever (ASF), a contagious disease affecting pigs resulting in significant mortality rates, was first recorded in the Visayas when the Department of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak in Abuyog, Leyte, in January 2021. This occurred two years after an initial case was reported in Luzon. Since then, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Visayas State University (CVM-VSU) has been actively working on understanding the epidemiological landscape of ASF to gather the necessary scientific data for strategic control of its spread in the region.
Dr. Harvie P. Portugaliza, the current Dean and Professor at CVM-VSU, and his dedicated team have embarked on research to identify factors that potentially contribute to ASF outbreaks in Leyte Island. Their initiatives include analyzing various patterns between farms affected and non-affected by ASF, assessing the community’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding ASF disease recognition and reporting, and determining whether pigs intended for slaughter exhibit ASF antibodies. Their research on ASF received a generous grant from the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).
Photo: Dr. Portugaliza’s oral presentation during the session on Epidemiological Studies on Specific Species and Topics.
With their project being completed, Dr. Portugaliza presented their research findings after a competitive call for oral presentation at the 17th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (ISVEE17), which took place from November 11-15, 2024, at the International Convention Center in Sydney, Australia. ISVEE is a prestigious symposium that occurs every three years, bringing together veterinary epidemiologists, animal health professionals, and veterinary economists to share insights and devise solutions for enhancing health outcomes in humans, animals, and ecosystems. The 17th edition of ISVEE was graciously hosted by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
Photo: Filipino veterinarians and delegates during the ISVEE17.
ISVEE17 not only served as a platform for sharing research findings but also acted as a global venue to highlight VSU initiatives in tackling animal diseases that have significant economic implications. It facilitated discussions among experts and potential collaborators on the latest research updates concerning ASF.
Dr. Portugaliza’s participation in ISVEE17 was made possible with support from Visayas State University, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO Philippines), and the Philippine College of Veterinary Epidemiologists (PCVE).
[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 2 – Zero Hunger, SGD No. 15 – Life on Land), and SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals]
