AFRICAN SWINE FEVER – ASIA (20): PHILIPPINES (NEGROS OCCIDENTAL)
DOMESTIC, SPREAD
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Fri 27 Oct 2023
Source: The Philippine Star [edited]
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/10/27/2306814/asf-hog-cholera-detected-anew-negros-occidental
African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera, which were blamed for hog
fatalities in Negros Occidental, have been detected in La Castellana
town. The provincial veterinary office (PVO) said new hog mortalities
were recorded in Hinobaan.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said new ASF cases in La Castellana may
affect the repopulation of pigs in neighboring areas. The detection of
ASF came almost a month after Negros Occidental logged zero hog
deaths.
Negros Occidental, which has a PHP 6 billion [approx. USD 105 million]
swine industry, recorded almost 18 000 hog deaths in 20 areas since
April [2023]. Losses were estimated at around PHP 200 million [about
USD 3.5 million].
ASF cases were recently reported in Kabankalan, Silay, Victorias, and
Bacolod cities as well as Pulupandan and Hinigaran towns. Provincial
veterinarian Placeda Lemana advised hog farmers, especially backyard
raisers, to wait for the guidelines from the PVO before raising pigs
again.
PVO members are surveying the province to determine qualified hog
farmers who will undergo sentineling program. The provincial
government is eyeing swine repopulation by next year [2024]. The
Department of Agriculture said ASF cases are waning, but the threat of
the disease remains.