MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has ordered the creation of a task force that would handle the prevention and containment of animal-borne diseases, including African swine fever (ASF). The creation of the task force is contained in Executive Order (EO) 105 signed by the President on Feb. 21. Although there has been no report of human transmission of ASF, Duterte described it as a severe, highly contagious and fatal disease affecting domestic and wild hogs. The National Task Force on Animal-Borne Diseases will ensure effective coordination and implementation of efforts designed to prevent the spread of ASF and other diseases. The task force will be led by the secretaries of agriculture and health, as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

Source: Philippine Star February 27, 2020 16:37 UTC