Negros Occidental town ASF cases contained

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — African swine fever (ASF), which has been blamed for hog fatalities in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, is now under control, according to provincial veterinarian Placeda Lemana.

No resurgence of the swine disease has been monitored since cases were detected in September, Lemana said.

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

Lemana said surveillance and monitoring of hogs as well as collection of blood samples for laboratory testing are continuing.

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

Lemana advised hog farmers to coordinate with the provincial veterinary office before raising pigs again.

The provincial government is eyeing swine repopulation next year.

Lemana gave assurance that there is no shortage of pork in Negros Occidental, noting that more than 2,000 heads had been sold outside the province last month.

She said pork is sold for P300 to P315 per kilo in EB Magalona, Talisay and Bacolod and P230 per kilo in Sipalay.

Lemana said affected hog raisers would receive P2,000 in financial assistance from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.