ASF outbreak declared in Tabuk

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A state of animal health emergency due to an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has been declared in Tabuk City in Kalinga.

City veterinary services office head Carmen Wanas said 267 hogs died due to ASF in 13 barangays.

Wanas said 46 other hogs had been affected by the swine disease.

The affected barangays are Dagupan West, New Tanglag, Bulanao Centro, Bulanao Norte, Bulo, Ipil, Gobgob, Naneng, Bagumbayan, Cabaruan, Appas, San Juan and Agbannawag.

At least 209 hogs raisers were affected.

The ASF task force in Tabuk said an executive order containing the measures to prevent the spread of ASF should be issued.

It said more checkpoints should be put up to prevent the entry and exit of infected hogs.

The task force urged barangay officials to report ASF cases even as it reminded the public to be cautious in buying pork and its by-products.

Last week, a state of calamity was declared in Roxas and Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro after reporting their first cases of ASF.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) gave assurance that there is no pork shortage in the country despite recording new ASF cases.

However, SINAG called for more stringent border protection measures to protect the local hog industry.