Negros Occidental recorded single-digit hog deaths in the first two days of August, the lowest since mortalities due to African swine fever, hog cholera and other diseases have been reported in the province starting April.

Data from the Provincial Animal Biosecurity Incident Management Team showed that seven deaths were reported on August 2, and four on August 1, from a high of more than 400 deaths in just one day several months earlier.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday the figures indicate that the protocols adhered to by the provincial government in responding to the swine deaths have been effective.

“That’s the first time we had a single-digit mortality. It’s not over, it’s still there, but it tells us that the protocols we follow are working. It’s helping reduce the mortality,” he told reporters.

In Negros Occidental, some 17,766 pigs have died with an estimated loss value of P199,004 million as of August 2.

A total of 4,259 raisers, from 153 barangays in 20 local government units (LGUs), have been affected.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said they continue to coordinate with the LGUs to finalize the release of the P10-million assistance of the provincial government to animal raisers.

“We’re still waiting for the LGUs to set [the date]. We make sure the area is ready. We make sure the persons to be paid are complete and that they are the right persons. All these things really require tedious work. We apologize for these challenges,” he added.

Diaz said the provincial government is considering allocating additional funds for assistance to the animal raisers.

“From the P10 million earmarked originally, we will increase it using other funds that have not yet been tapped,” he added.

Diaz noted that after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. declared that COVID-19 is no longer a health emergency, funds reserved for contingencies related to the pandemic can already be realigned for another purpose, such as assistance to animal raisers affected by swine deaths. (PNA)