Philippine logs 72 new ASF outbreaks

MANILA, Philippines — African swine fever (ASF) has continued to spread in the country, with 72 new outbreaks recorded in the past two months.

In its 11th report to the World Organization for Animal Health, a copy of which was released yesterday, the Philippines said 33,406 pigs were culled, bringing the total to 370,393 since August 2019.

There are 5,442 ASF cases in the country, according to latest data.

Of the new outbreaks, Libmanan in Camarines Sur recorded the highest number of pigs culled with 3,024, followed by Sariaya in Quezon with 1,878 and Liliw in Laguna with 1,869.

Ilocos Sur is the latest province added to the list of ASF-hit areas. Sixty-seven pigs in backyard farms were culled in Tagudin.

Nueva Ecija has the most number of areas with new cases. These are in San Antonio, Llanera, Caranglan, San Jose City, Talavera, Science City of Muñoz, General Mamerto Natividad, Rizal, Guimba, Peñaranda, General Tinio, Laur, Talugtug and Lupao.

New outbreaks were also recorded in Binangonan, Baras and Cardona in Rizal.

Masinloc and Sta. Cruz in Zambales reported 228 new deaths due to ASF.

New cases were also reported in Alaminos City, Bolinao, Bani, Bugallon, Natividad, Infanta and Dasol in Pangasinan.

In Batangas, more cases were detected in Malvar, Sto.Tomas, Talisay, Laurel, and San Juan while Cavite reported new deaths in Alfonso and Magallanes.

More ASF cases were also reported in Pangil, Nagcarlan, Calauan, Calamba and Sta.Cruz in Laguna and Sudipen, Pugo, Aringay and Agoo in La Union.

In Quezon, new cases were recorded in Macalelon, General Luna, San Francisco, Gumaca, Catanauan, Pitogo, Tiaong, Candelaria and Lopez.

New cases were recorded in Quezon, Roxas, Aurora, Ramon, Luna, Mallig, Echague and San Mateo in Isabela as well as in Asipulo and Tabuk City in Kalinga.

Camarines Sur reported new cases in Bulas, Nabua, Minalabac, Pili, Naga City, Pamplona and Milaor.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said more than P700 million under its quick response fund was released to indemnify affected hog raisers.

It also earmarked an initial P400 million to restock hogs and repopulate the swine industry.

The DA said it would also help commercial farms by providing loans with low interest to give impetus in restocking the swine industry.