By JEN BAYLON

Three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have been downgraded to “pink zone” for African swine fever (ASF), the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said.

Pulupandan town, Hinigaran town and Silay City have been reclassified from red (infected) to pink zone, indicating a reduced risk of ASF transmission, PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said.

They are now classified as ASF-free, she added.

The reclassification also signals the start of a sentineling program, where sentinel hogs have to undergo a 40-day observation program, which will pave the way for the recovery of the province’s P6 billion hog industry from ASF.

The downgrade is seen as a positive development that will enable the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to continue its coverage for hog raisers affected by the swine disease.

Meanwhile, six LGUs remain in the “red zone” category, such as the cities of Escalante, Kabankalan, San Carlos, and Victorias, as well as the municipalities of Valladolid and La Castellana.

Last year, 17,801 pigs died from ASF, resulting in losses of more than P200 million.

The provincial government hopes that the containment of ASF will lead to the revival of its swine industry, a significant contributor to the province’s economy./JB, WDJ