TACLOBAN CITY – Following the lifting of the “pork holiday” on April 18 by the Borongan City government, suspected cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) have resurfaced in several barangays, with an increase in pig mortalities.
The City Veterinary Office reported suspected ASF-related deaths in the villages of San Jose and Siha, and is closely monitoring additional cases in Barangay San Gabriel.
“We are recommending restrictions on the movement of livestock in these areas to prevent further spread of ASF. Our latest monitoring indicates that some pigs are showing signs of ASF,” said Dr. John Adrian Ang, city veterinarian, during an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Borongan.
At least 127 ASF-related pig deaths have been recorded in the backyard farms of Barangay San Jose, while the office continues to gather data from Barangay Siha.
To confirm the presence of ASF, the veterinary office plans to conduct random blood sampling in the affected barangays from April 28 to 30. Should the tests confirm ASF, depopulation measures will be implemented, culling affected pigs within a 0.5-kilometer radius from the initial outbreak site.
In an effort to contain the disease, Ang has urged piggery owners to adopt strict biosecurity measures, including preventing visitors from entering their farms.
He also called on barangay officials to activate their local ASF monitoring programs, known as “Bantay ASF sa Barangay.”
Ang further encouraged piggery owners to report any pig mortalities to the City Veterinary Office to receive assistance under the ASF Indemnification Program.
The city remains vigilant as it works to curb the spread of ASF and provide support to affected farmers.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
