ASF Cases Confirmed in Negros Oriental, Bacolod; Quarantine Measures Intensified

African Swine Fever (ASF) has spread further in the Negros Island Region of the Philippines, with new cases confirmed in Negros Oriental and the highly urbanized city of Bacolod. Authorities have intensified quarantine measures in response to the escalating outbreak. Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria confirmed on Wednesday that blood samples taken from hogs in the town of La Libertad tested positive for ASF. In Bacolod City, City Veterinarian Maria Agueda dela Torre reported four ASF cases in the villages of Alijis and Taculing. Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the establishment of strict quarantine checkpoints to prevent the further spread of the disease. Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental province, 2,130 hog deaths have been recorded across 13 local government units (LGUs) as of June 30. Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana stated that only the town of San Enrique has confirmed ASF cases. Lemana clarified that not all reported hog deaths were due to ASF, noting that many of the deceased pigs were buried immediately without laboratory examination. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicates that the 13 ASF-affected LGUs have a combined hog population of 55,961, with reported mortalities accounting for 3.81 percent. Based on the latest figures, the reported hog mortalities represent only about 0.65 percent of the province’s total hog inventory, and several barangays have not reported any hog deaths. ASF continues to pose a significant economic challenge to farmers and the pork industry across the Philippines. Government measures, including restrictions on the movement of hogs and pork products from affected areas, are in place, but complete containment remains a challenge in the archipelagic nation.