Dead pigs washed ashore in Mindoro negative for ASF

MANILA, Philippines — The dead pigs found floating along the shores of Oriental Mindoro have tested negative for African swine fever (ASF).

Citing information relayed by the local ASF task force, Alfredo Manglicmot of the provincial veterinary office said tissue samples taken from dead pigs found both in Naujan and Pola towns and sent to the National Animal Disease Reference Laboratory in Quezon City tested negative for the swine disease.

Nineteen dead pigs were washed ashore in Naujan while 15 were found in Pola.

The provincial government said it hopes the test results would allay fears of villagers that fish sold in local markets are contaminated with ASF.

Manglicmot clarified that ASF affects only pigs and not humans.

Naujan Mayor Mark Marcos had earlier said he wants sanctions imposed against those who dumped the dead pigs.