BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental provincial government is planning to give out insurance to raisers whose swine have been affected by hog cholera.
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data showed that the recent hog deaths, mostly recorded in the third and fourth districts of the province, were caused by hog cholera and not by the African Swine Fever (ASF), said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The governor said the insurance is very similar to the crop insurance for the province’s rice farmers.
The provincial government is coordinating with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation regarding the proposed animal insurance, Lacson added.
Earlier, the provincial government advised local government units (LGUs) to boost animal biosecurity measures amid the serious threat of transboundary diseases which could be worsened by the hot weather.
Lacson reminded raisers to take good care of their animals and for LGUs to keep a tight watch on their localities.
“(It is) highly encouraged to strengthen the animal biosecurity measures of your respective territorial jurisdiction, effective immediately,” he said in his directive.
The governor noted the continued threat posed by diseases such as hog cholera, ASF and highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu.
Negros Occidental has no cases of ASF and bird flu, but hog cholera has already caused deaths among pigs. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
