By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said yesterday that they have successfully brought the African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera cases under control.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said that while they can’t declare Negros Occidental entirely free from ASF and hog cholera, significant progress has been made.

Hog cholera is considered an endemic disease, while ASF is influenced by environmental factors.

To prevent the reintroduction of hog diseases, the province maintains an entry ban on live pigs and pork products.

Lemana expressed optimism that pork prices may revert to previous levels in the third or fourth quarter of this year, as hog production recovers from the impact of hog cholera and ASF outbreaks last year.

Currently, pork prices have surged to as high as P360 per kilo.

Lemana assured the public of an ample supply of pork and dressed chicken in the province.

Negros Occidental continues as a major pork supplier in Western Visayas, and ranks second in the entire country, after Batangas.

Lemana also revealed that the swine industry sentinel program will start this year.

Several hog raisers have already initiated self-sentineling since last year, which reported no cases of pig deaths for that period.

The efforts made are integral to maintaining the health and stability of the swine industry in Negros Occidental./DGB, WDJ