The Negros Oriental town of Valencia has called on its residents to purchase pork and other by-products locally to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

This came after the ASF occurrence reported in Valencia town’s Barangay West Balabag last week was stamped out with immediate containment measures.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 13, the Provincial Veterinary Office appealed to “Valencianons to refrain from buying pork and by-products from other LGUs [local government units], especially those not compliant with national guidelines” relative to ASF.

During the August 7 and 8 depopulation activities, 182 hogs were culled and buried while disinfection in affected premises continues.

The 37 farmers whose hogs were depopulated will receive indemnification from the local and national governments.

The Valencia LGU is also set to issue a municipal executive order with guidelines for local swine raisers relative to the movement of their animals to the slaughterhouse and transfer to other localities. (PNA)