Benguet governor confirms ASF spread in 13 towns

MANILA, Philippines — Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas has confirmed reports that all 13 towns in his province have been affected by African swine fever (ASF).

Diclas issued the statement yesterday after the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, reported that the virus has spread to 460 towns and 54 provinces in the country.

“All our 13 municipalities were affected by ASF. It started in the capital town, here in La Trinidad, which is near Baguio City. Then it spread to other areas and the outbreak started,” Diclas said in a radio interview.

He said the provincial government implemented culling operations to prevent the virus from further spreading.

“We implemented culling, but we experienced difficulties because we sourced our pork supply from many areas. Some come from Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province,” he said.

At least 50 to 100 hogs were culled in every municipality during the operations, Diclas said.

“At present, the outbreak is already controlled. We started again to raise hogs. Hopefully this will continue,” Diclas said.

Data from the BAI showed the infections in Baguio, Bakun, Bokod, Kapangan and Kibungan have already been controlled.

The BAI said only 20 provinces remain free from ASF. These are Aklan, Antique, Basilan, Batanes, Biliran, Bohol, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Masbate, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Siquijor, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Records showed that 16 of 17 regions in the country are affected by ASF.

Only the National Capital Region remains free from ASF.