At least three towns in Negros Oriental are transitioning to the “pink zone” category after they logged zero African swine fever (ASF) cases in recent weeks.
Jaymar Vilos, spokesperson-designate of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Oct. 2 that Bais City was recently declared a “pink zone” and is preparing to send or sell live hogs outside its coverage area.
The two other towns, Ayungon and Vallehermoso, are working on completing the papers for the declaration as a pink zone, he said.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has formally published the upgrading of Bais City into the pink zone, he added.
Others in pink zone are Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Mabinay, San Jose, Santa Catalina, and Tayasan, as per the latest ASF status issued by BAI.
In yellow or surveillance zone are Jimalalud and La Libertad.
The rest of the cities and towns of Negros Oriental, including its capital Dumaguete, are under the red or infected zone.
Vilos explained in a Philippine News Agency report that a pink zone category means a certain area is considered “safe from ASF due to standard safety requirements complied by the LGU (local government unit).”
Apart from being allowed to send hogs out of its coverage area, a pink zone qualifies for government assistance and the insurance of hogs would resume.
Vilos urged LGUs to comply with documentary requirements so that they may be upgraded to a pink zone and eventually to a green zone.
While the entire province has recorded no ASF cases these past weeks, authorities are constantly monitoring the situation to prevent the resurgence of the virus. ||
