January 12, 2021 | 7:39 pm Font Size REUTERS THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has signed up partners to assist in rebuilding the hog population and implementing local-level surveillance of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks. The partners were identified in a statement as Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Co. (UNAHCO) and the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP). Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the two organizations will assist with a hog repopulation program and a “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” initiative to improve early detection of outbreaks. “We will vigorously pursue these challenging tasks in close cooperation and partnership with local government units, who are at the forefront of establishing stringent biosecurity measures to effectively and successfully control ASF in Luzon, prevent it from spreading, and protect the ‘green zones’ in Visayas and Mindanao,” Mr. Dar said.