By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

Bacolod City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo clarified that there have been no reported swine deaths in the city, despite confirmed cases of hog cholera and an isolated incident of African swine fever (ASF) in Negros Occidental.

Mayo said there is no immediate cause for concern “that would require immediate action” of the city government.

He will meet with the City Veterinary Office (CVO) to discuss initial measures and preparations in case hog deaths are reported in the city.

“We have to prepare as early as now and determine what actions we can take,” Mayo said.

He explained that possible measures include establishing border controls and conducting tests to prevent swine deaths.

“We also call on our hog raisers to cooperate by reporting any swine deaths to their barangay officials or the CVO so that we can conduct the necessary tests,” he added.

Mayo disclosed that in previous years, swine deaths had been reported in various barangays, but some hog raisers failed to notify local authorities.

Earlier, Department of Agriculture in Negros Island Region Director Jose Albert Barrogo confirmed that the isolated ASF case had been properly managed./MAP, WDJ