ILOILO City – The number of towns in Western Visayas upgraded from African Swine Fever (ASF) “red” zone to “pink” zone has increased to 45, following the inclusion of three more municipalities.
According to the latest memorandum issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) titled “Update on zoning status of regions in relation to the implementation of the national zoning and movement plan for ASF, as of March 20, 2025,” the towns of Sigma and Pontevedra in Capiz and Estancia in Iloilo have been reclassified from “red” (infected) to “pink” (buffer) zones.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It causes hemorrhagic fever in swine, with a near 100% fatality rate.
Though it poses no risk to humans, ASF has devastating economic consequences for the hog industry, leading to massive culling of pigs, trade restrictions, and heavy financial losses for farmers and meat suppliers.
The disease spreads through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated feed, equipment, clothing, or vehicles. It can also be transmitted through improperly disposed infected pork products.
Because there is no vaccine or cure for ASF, prevention relies heavily on strict biosecurity measures.
“Pink” zones refer to areas where ASF has not been detected but are adjacent to confirmed ASF-infected locations. These areas are subject to strict biosecurity and surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the disease from nearby red zones.
In “red” zones, the movement of live pigs, fresh or frozen pork, and uncooked processed pork products, as well as swine genetic materials, remains strictly prohibited — except for cooked and canned processed pork products. These restrictions will stay in place until lifted by authorities.
Here is the updated list of the 45 municipalities and cities in Western Visayas now classified under the “pink” zone:
* Aklan (11) – Altavas, Banga, Balete, Batan, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia, and New Washington
* Antique (4) – Belison, Hamtic, San Jose de Buenavista, and Sibalom
* Capiz (9) – Cuartero, Dao, Dumarao, Maayon, Mambusao, President Roxas, Roxas City, Sigma, and Pontevedra
* Guimaras (2) – Buenavista and Jordan
* Iloilo (18) – Ajuy, Banate, Batad, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Dingle, Dumangas, Janiuay, Lambunao, Mina, Leganes, New Lucena, Oton, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, and Estancia
* Iloilo City
Meanwhile, the municipality of Buruanga in Aklan has been downgraded from the “pink” zone to the “yellow” zone, which refers to ASF-free areas adjacent to buffer zones and under continued surveillance.
Despite the progress, 22 municipalities across Panay Island remain under red zone classification:
* Aklan (5) – Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, and Tangalan
* Capiz (7) – Dumalag, Ivisan, Panay, Panit-an, Pilar, Sapi-an, and Tapaz
* Iloilo (10) – Alimodian, Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Carles, Dueñas, Maasin, Pototan, San Dionisio, and San Joaquin
Nationally, BAI data show that 469 cities and municipalities have been upgraded from “red” to “pink” zone, while 84 have transitioned from “pink” to “yellow zone./PN
