BACOLOD City – New infections of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been recorded in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, as confirmed by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The confirmation follows reports of hog fatalities in the towns of Hinoba-an and La Castellana in September.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) undertook an in-depth investigation after the initial reports. Lacson said the probe verified ASF as the cause of the hog deaths in La Castellana.
Subsequent to this finding, the PVO ensured the appropriate disposal of the affected pigs to mitigate further transmission of the disease.
It has been some time since the province has reported new ASF cases. Given this resurgence, the governor voiced concerns regarding its potential ramifications on the regional hog repopulation initiatives.
Nevertheless, Lacson highlighted that PVO teams are persistently surveying the province to pinpoint hog farmers suitable for the sentineling program.
He also emphasized to hog raisers the importance of not hastily proceeding with repopulation efforts without close collaboration with their local veterinary offices. This is to ensure adherence to the updated “new normal” guidelines set for hog farming. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
