TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Catarman, Northern Samar, is investigating suspected cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) following the deaths of around 100 pigs in several barangays.
The affected pigs, which exhibited ASF-like symptoms, were from the villages of Bocsol, Old Rizal, Cag-abaca, Quezon, Salvacion, Washington, Tinowaran, and Cularima.
“We have yet to confirm if these pigs died due to ASF, but they have displayed ASF-like symptoms,” said Rachel Arnaiz, municipal information officer.
The symptoms observed included high fever, skin redness, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and coughing.
In line with standard protocols, hog raisers buried the sick pigs in pits to prevent further spread.
Vivencio Moreno, slaughter master and meat control officer, stated that the exact number of ASF-related pig deaths remains unclear.
“This is because some owners either butchered their pigs and sold them or immediately disposed of them,” he said in an online interview on February 22.
But he said that the number of pigs which died due to suspected ASF could have now reached to around 100.
Moreno also assured that any pigs slaughtered at the municipal facility that showed symptoms were culled and buried to prevent potential spread.
Moreno revealed that the outbreak may have started last year but was not immediately detected.
More than 50 backyard hog raisers have been affected by the incident, though the source of infection remains undetermined.
Currently, Catarman is classified as a pink zone—a buffer zone that is either near an infected area or still ASF-free. Pink zones indicate proximity to ASF-positive areas, while dark green zones are ASF-free.
To contain the potential outbreak, Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III has instructed the Municipal Agriculture Office to conduct blood sampling on pigs in barangays near suspected ASF cases. Slaughterhouse personnel have also been directed to test pigs before slaughtering.
Meanwhile, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan issued an executive order on February 12 restricting the movement of live pigs and pork products from suspected ASF-affected areas, including Las Navas, Catubig, and Laoang. Quarantine checkpoints have been set up across all municipalities in the province.
The governor emphasized that the measure aims to prevent the further spread of ASF in Northern Samar.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs. It can spread rapidly through direct contact with infected animals.
Currently, there is no known treatment or vaccine for ASF.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
