SLSU Develops Real-Time ASF Simulator to Save Swine Industry

In a bold step toward disaster-resilient farming, James Brian Flores of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has developed a web-based GIS simulator designed to model the real-time spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a persistent biosecurity threat to the Philippine swine industry. This technological breakthrough bridges a long-standing gap in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for the agricultural sector, particularly for small-scale backyard farmers who are most vulnerable to animal epidemics.

The system integrates real-time monitoring, SMS alerts, and geospatial mapping, enabling faster reporting, strategic containment, and targeted interventions. It empowers local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) with data-driven tools to track outbreaks, coordinate responses, and educate farmers on localized biosecurity measures—essential functions in any robust DRRM framework.

This innovation directly contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by protecting food sources, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by curbing zoonotic risks, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through digital transformation, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing adaptive capacities in rural communities. By addressing the risk factors of disease outbreaks—such as delayed reporting, lack of localized data, and weak coordination—the simulator becomes a proactive shield against agricultural emergencies.

Pilot deployment has shown high usability and strong acceptance among end users, reaffirming its potential to serve as a national and even regional model. As DRRM continues to expand beyond natural disasters to include biological hazards, this ASF simulator exemplifies how localized, tech-enabled systems can safeguard not just animals and livelihoods, but entire food systems and economies. Read full study here: https://journal.tvu.edu.vn/index.php/journal/article/view/74