By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) warned local hog raisers of the possible recurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in the province.

This comes after widespread flooding caused the rise in the number of ASF cases in some provinces in Luzon, due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Carina” and the southwest monsoon in late July.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana urges hog raisers, especially those who are already in the sentinelling and restocking phases, to not allow floods to reach their pig pens.

“Flooding brings infection, especially in areas which are yet [to be] declared as cleared [of ASF],” Lemana said.

Hog raisers are advised to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures and cooperate with authorities to prevent the spread of ASF.

She also emphasized the importance of early detection and swift response to protect the province’s hog industry and ensure food safety for consumers.

Lamata said the provincial ordinance banning the entry of hogs and pork-related products to Negros Occidental has not yet been lifted.

“We are still guarding our ports against the entry of hogs and hog products from ASF-infected areas,” Lemana said.

She said the swine industry in Negros Occidental has already started the sentinelling phase, following the ASF outbreak last year.

PVO data as of May 31, shows that ASF has affected 3,536 hog raisers from 153 barangays in 20 local government units in the province.

Losses due to the swine disease last year reached P199.5 million, data added.

Lemana said only Victorias City and the municipalities of Hinigaran and Pulupandan are under ASF “pink” zones.

The cities of Kabankalan and San Carlos as well as La Castellana town are awaiting certification to be declared under the pink zone status./JB, WDJ