By JEN BAYLON

The municipality of San Enrique in Negros Occidental has reported new cases of hog cholera, prompting the local government to temporarily halt hog repopulation efforts.

San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said there have been no cases of African swine fever (ASF) in the locality, according to laboratory results.

However, the symptoms of hog cholera are similar to those of ASF.

He noted that several backyard hog raisers have reported fatalities among their sentinel hogs.

Hog cholera, also known as classical swine fever, is an infectious swine disease.

In 2023, San Enrique was identified as the most affected local government unit in Negros Occidental due to hog cholera, raising concerns about the impact on local livelihoods and food security.

Ninety-nine percent of its hog population died, records from the Provincial Veterinary Office showed.

The local government is actively addressing the situation to safeguard the health of the remaining hog population./JB, WDJ