By CESAR JOLITO III

Only 3.53 percent of the hog population in 14 local government units (LGUs) have been affected by African swine fever (ASF) in Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said.

Lacson said the combined hog population in the 14 affected LGUs stands at 61,854, of which 2,185 hogs have died due to ASF.

Despite the continued presence of the disease, the governor noted that the number of affected animals remains a small portion of the total hog inventory in the affected areas.

Only nine LGUs yielded positive results for ASF, based on the latest laboratory tests conducted on hog samples collected on July 8.

Lacson said the province’s previous experience in dealing with ASF has helped localities respond more effectively by strictly implementing biosecurity measures and standard disease control protocols.

These include the immediate burial of hogs that die from suspected ASF cases, followed by thorough disinfection of the affected areas to prevent further spread of the virus.

To strengthen containment efforts, the provincial government continues to enforce border control measures in strategic entry points, including San Carlos City, Murcia and other areas across Negros Occidental./CCJ, WDJ