ASF state of calamity declared in Nueva Vizcaya  

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in this province due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in nine towns.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved on Monday a resolution of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by Gov. Jose Gambito, which recommended the declaration.

Gambito said the provincial government can now utilize its calamity fund to assist farmers whose hogs were affected by the swine disease.

The Nueva Vizcaya provincial veterinary office said ASF cases were recorded in 42 barangays in Quezon, Bambang, Dupax del Norte, Bayombong, Bagabag, Kayapa, Kasibu, Diadi and Solano towns.

Provincial veterinarian Christopher Seraspi said 1,290 pigs in 133 farms were found positive for ASF.

At least 1,010 pigs were culled while 280 deaths were reported. An undetermined number of hogs have not been tested.

Seraspi said losses incurred by the hog industry in the province due to ASF were estimated at P20 million.

Gambito recommended that affected hog raisers receive P5,000 per head of culled hog.

“The provincial government remains committed to protecting the livelihood of hog raisers and ensuring the safety and stability of the agricultural sector,” he said.

In Isabela, the provincial veterinary office said new ASF cases were recorded in Angadanan, Aurora, Alicia, Echague, Luna, Mallig, Quirino, San Isidro, Gamu, Ramon, Roxas, Burgos and Cabagan.

The setting up of checkpoints in each town has been ordered to monitor the entry and exit of hogs and pork products.

New ASF cases were also detected in several barangays in Cagayan.

Hog deaths were recorded in Barangay Malalinta in Tuao town,  Barangay Nangalisan in Solana and Barangay Roma in Enrile.

Members of the surveillance team of the Cagayan provincial veterinary office were dispatched to assist in implementing biosecurity and control measures to prevent the spread of swine diseases.