By CESAR JOLITO III
Localities in Negros Occidental are intensifying biosecurity measures following the deaths of 1,213 hogs with losses valued at approximately P14.46 million amid the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF).
The swine deaths from May 20 and June 22 caused losses accounting for 4.06 percent of the province’s 29,880 hog population, according to data released by the Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier confirmed the emergence of ASF in the province but noted that local chief executives in affected areas will provide reports on pig casualties within their respective jurisdictions.
Provincial data, however, have yet to determine how many of the reported hog deaths were directly caused by ASF.
Lacson emphasized the importance of enforcing strict biosecurity protocols to contain the disease and prevent further losses to the swine industry.
Several local government units have already strengthened preventive measures to protect their livestock sectors from possible outbreaks.
In La Castellana, Mayor Añejo Nicor said no ASF cases have been recorded in the municipality.
As a precautionary measure, checkpoints have been established at the town’s entry points to restrict the transport of live pigs, swine semen and processed pork products from outside the municipality.
Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Weng Lizares has stepped up the city’s defenses against transboundary animal diseases through Executive Order No. 35.
The order mandates stricter biosecurity measures, intensified disease monitoring, tighter regulation of animal and animal product movement, and enhanced coordination among government agencies, barangays, livestock raisers, traders, and transporters.
Talisay City Agriculture Office head Katherine Day Gemotra said the initiative aims to safeguard the livestock industry, food security and the livelihoods of farmers from the potentially devastating effects of animal disease outbreaks.
Talisay officials also called on stakeholders to comply with veterinary and quarantine regulations and immediately report suspected cases of animal diseases.
Meanwhile, the municipality of San Enrique has recorded a confirmed ASF case after laboratory results on collected samples were released.
In a media interview, Mayor Jilson Tubillara disclosed that between 400 and 500 pigs have already died in the town, with nearly all barangays reportedly affected by the outbreak./CCJ, WDJ