ASF Cases Confirmed in Lamitan, Basilan; Hog Transport Restricted

The Lamitan city government in Basilan has ordered a lockdown and prohibited the transport of hogs and their byproducts after several barangays confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF). Sharmaine Tutuh, Basilan provincial veterinarian, said the ASF outbreak has affected 113 hog raisers, with at least 284 pigs reported dead. Tutuh said the Lamitan city veterinary office collected blood samples following reports of more than 20 pigs that died in three barangays earlier this month. The samples, which were submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for examination, were positive for ASF. Bryan Azute, Lamitan city veterinarian, said an ongoing epidemiological investigation indicates that the disease may have been introduced from Zamboanga City. He noted that a hog trader in Barangay Calugusan sources his pigs from Zamboanga City. Tutuh urged hog raisers to immediately report sick or dead pigs to the nearest veterinary offices and to strictly observe biosecurity measures to help prevent the disease from spreading further. ASF outbreaks in the Philippines have had a significant impact on the country's pork industry, causing economic losses for farmers. The government has been implementing movement restrictions and enhanced disinfection measures to curb the spread of the disease. Source: Philstar Nation