ILOILO – Almost P1 billion worth of swine or live hogs in the province were lost to African Swine Fever (ASF) since the hog disease hit Iloilo in October 2022.
Specifically, this was attributed to the 96,805 heads that were either depopulated, died of natural causes, or suspected ASF deaths, disposed of or sold for less value, or even unreported deaths.
“If mag-average price sa P10,000 per head, more or less P968,050,000 ang cost,” Tabuada told Panay News on Monday, Feb. 13.
Specifically, 2,707 hogs were depopulated in the province as of Feb. 7 after testing positive for ASF. These were from Oton (1,541), San Miguel (527), Alimodian (34), Leganes (37), Santa Barbara (58), New Lucena (10), Mina (36), Barotac Nuevo (36), Dumangas (four), Banate (97), Barotac Viejo (18), Zarraga (five), Janiuay (91), Badiangan (15), Dueñas (five), San Dionisio (26), Batad (52), Dingle (59), Estancia (two), Pototan (49), and Concepcion (five).
While 5,303 hogs died naturally or with suspected ASF, according to the PVO. These were from Oton (2,706), San Miguel (158), Alimodian (952), Leganes (nine), Santa Barbara (37), New Lucena (eight), Mina (two), Barotac Nuevo (390), Dumangas (158), Banate (337), Barotac Viejo (296), Janiuay (69), Dingle (152), Batad (10), and Estancia (18).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said most of the losses were from red and pink zones.
“We are addressing the supply kay halin sang October nagbuhin ang inventory naton sang baboy because nga nag-depopulate kag nag-dispose sang baboy ang aton farmers, that is why may 35 percent kita nga decrease sa kabilogan,” said Defensor.
As of Feb. 7, 21 towns reported ASF infections. Of them, 15 are in red zones: Oton, San Miguel, Alimodian, Leganes, Santa Barbara, New Lucena, Mina, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Janiuay, San Dionisio, Batad, and Dingle.
The six towns under the pink zones are Dueñas, Concepcion, Pototan, Badiangan, Zarraga, and Estancia.
Under the red zone, movement of live pigs, pork, pork products (fresh/frozen pork products and uncooked processed pork products, except cooked and canned processed pork products), and swine genetic materials in and out of the municipality shall be prohibited.
Find other sources of protein
With the reduced inventory of hogs and pork, the province is seen as having a reduced source of protein as well.
Defensor explained that this may happen in three months if the hog population is not replenished right now, which also means affecting the nutrition of local residents.
This is why the provincial government is currently looking for additional sources of protein like chicken and eggs, among other products.
The governor said a strengthened poultry industry may temporarily augment pork as a source of protein.
“We are fighting the supply side in addition to fighting the ASF itself. Again, it is a nutrition issue in the province, and we are looking for other sources of protein to compensate for the decrease in pork,” said Defensor./PN
