ASF, hog cholera detected anew in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera, which were blamed for hog fatalities in Negros Occidental, have been detected in La Castellana town.

The provincial veterinary office (PVO) said new hog mortalities were recorded in Hinobaan.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said new ASF cases in La Castellana may affect the repopulation of pigs in neighboring areas.

The detection of ASF came almost a month after Negros Occidental logged zero hog deaths.

Negros Occidental, which has a P6-billion swine industry, recorded almost 18,000 hog deaths in 20 areas since April. Losses were estimated at around P200 million.

ASF cases were recently reported in Kabankalan, Silay, Victorias and Bacolod cities  as well as Pulupandan and Hinigaran towns.

Provincial veterinarian Placeda Lemana advised hog farmers, especially backyard raisers, to wait for the guidelines from the PVO before raising pigs again.

PVO members are surveying the province to determine qualified hog farmers who will undergo sentineling program.

The provincial government is eyeing swine repopulation by next year.

The Department of Agriculture said ASF cases are waning, but the threat of the disease remains.