Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria yesterday confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in the northern town of La Libertad following laboratory tests on blood samples from pigs.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of Nutrition Month at the provincial convention center, Sagarbarria said blood samples collected from hogs in La Libertad tested positive for ASF.
“We have confirmed cases in La Libertad, and blood testing of pigs is ongoing in Sibulan and Amlan,” he said.
He did not disclose the number of hog deaths in La Libertad, saying the Provincial Veterinary Office and local authorities are still assessing the situation.
Despite the confirmed cases, Sagarbarria expressed optimism that the province could contain the outbreak, noting that authorities now have better strategies and experience in managing the disease compared to the ASF outbreak about two years ago that affected several local government units (LGUs).
Citing provincial veterinarian Dr. Melody Vilan, Sagarbarria said the virus may have been introduced after a resident traveled to Negros Occidental for a fiesta, brought home leftover food, and fed it to backyard pigs.
Negros Occidental has confirmed ASF cases, prompting the governor to impose a ban on the entry of live hogs, pork and pork by-products from the neighboring province and other ASF-affected areas.
He urged hog raisers to avoid feeding pigs with swill or leftover food from eateries and other food establishments, stressing that improperly treated food waste is a possible source of ASF transmission.
Provincial Agriculture Office head Emmanuel Caduyac said surveillance teams have already been sent to investigate reports of ASF cases in other towns, such as Sibulan and San Jose.
No culling shall be done unless ASF cases are confirmed based on blood samples that test positive for the virus, Caduyac said.
Sagarbarria is scheduled to meet with mayors, veterinary officials, and other stakeholders on Thursday to discuss additional measures to prevent further spread.
Dr. Alfonso Tundag of the Bureau of Animal Industry said they are tightening security measures at the airport, seaports, and border checkpoints to prevent the entry of hogs without complete requirements and paperwork for transport. (PNA)