ILOILO City – A lechon entry during the Lechon Festival in Santa Barbara, Iloilo last week was reportedly positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).
According to Iloilo provincial veterinarian, Dr. Darel Tabuada, the Provincial Task Force on ASF will coordinate with the local government unit to validate the information.
Nevertheless, Tabuada reiterated there is nothing to worry about because ASF is not a zoonotic disease; it does not transfer to humans.
“Ang aton lang da ginalantaw nga transmission kay basi may nag-takeout, gindala sa balay. May posibilidad malatnan ang baboy nila. That’s why nga gina-implement naton nga sa kada (Iechon festival) naton no takeout,” said Tabuada.
The town of Santa Barbara has been declared a red zone. From one barangay, the hog disease spread to five more barangays namely, San Sebastian, Tig-tig, Buyo, Café, and Nasugban.
Tabuada said of the 12 samples collected in the said barangays recently, five tested positive for ASF.
As of Dec. 1, there were already 156 swine depopulated in Santa Barbara, affecting 26 backyard farmers./PN
