6 Lamitan barangays on lockdown due to ASF

LAMITAN, Basilan, Philippines — Six barangays in this city have been placed on lockdown due to rising cases of African swine fever (ASF).

Mayor Roderick Furigay said the entry and transport of hogs and pork-related products have been banned in Barangays Ipil, Luuk, Bulingan, Sitio Martha, Calugusan and Bohe Sapa.

Furigay said several other barangays are being monitored for the outbreak of ASF as the entire city has been classified under red or infected zone.

“We collected blood samples after residents reported the mysterious death of several hogs in Ipil on May 28,” Furigay said. “On May 31, from eight samples, all turned out positive for ASF.”

On Monday, Basilan Gov. Hajiman Hataman-Salliman issued an executive order banning the transport of hogs and pork products from affected areas aside from implementing other measures to prevent the spread of the swine disease.

Furigay said infected hogs should be culled as he assured affected hog raisers of financial assistance of P2,500 per head.

”After the 40-day quarantine and once the area is cleared, the city government will provide sentinel pigs as start-up,” he said.

Furigay lamented that the spread of ASF has affected the economy and food supply in the city.