2 Negros towns, city now ASF-free

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Three areas in Negros Occidental are now classified as pink zones or free from African swine fever (ASF), according to the provincial veterinary office.

Pulupandan and Hinigaran towns as well as Silay City were previously classified as red zones or ASF-infected.

The ASF-free status will signal the start of the sentineling program wherein hogs will be observed for 40 days.

Provincial veterinarian Placeda Lemana said a certificate of ASF-free status aside from a recognition of active surveillance, a requirement for the shipment of hogs outside the province, would be issued to the three local government units.

The cities of Escalante, Kabankalan, La Castellana, San Carlos, Valladolid and Victorias are the other areas in Negros Occidental that have been affected by ASF.

Hog fatalities due to ASF and other swine diseases reached 17,801 last year, representing 9.96 percent of the total hog population in the province.

The hog industry has incurred losses worth P200 million.

Swine diseases have affected 3,536 hog raisers in 153 barangays in 20 towns and cities in the province.