Daily hog deaths in NegOcc drop

BACOLOD City – The average number of hog deaths in Negros Occidental has dropped to two digits, latest data from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed.

Sixty-seven hog deaths were logged on July 16 and 79 on July 17.

In total, the PVO has so far recorded 17,216 deaths or 9.51 percent of the province’s total hog population, with losses now reaching P194,695,750.

Nineteen towns and cities have been affected by the hog mortalities that were either caused by hog cholera, African Swine Fever (ASF) or other hog diseases.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson attributed the decrease in the number of hog deaths to stricter biosecurity protocols. He is hoping the number of deaths will continue to decline.

Lacson added the provincial government is expediting the release of cash assistance for the affected hog raisers.

Around 4,000 hog raisers will receive P2,000 each. The provincial government allocated P10 million for the financial aid.

Meanwhile, Lacson said the provincial government is strengthening efforts for the breeding of other animals while raisers continue to cope with hog deaths.

“For now, the province will not distribute piglets. Let us slow down on that and focus on other animals. Hogs are the most popular but there are other animals we would like to propagate,” he told the animal raisers from the province’s Poultry and Livestock Association on Wednesday, July 19.

Lacson reiterated the province’s vision to produce the Negros Beef, which started with the acquisition last December of nine Angus breeders that have already started to reproduce.

“Gradually, let’s focus on cattle and of course, carabao and goat. Let us push not only hogs but many other animals,” he added. (Watchmen Daily Journal/with a report from Philippine News Agency)

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