• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Hogs in Negros Occidental remain free of African swine fever (ASF), according to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, said on Tuesday (Jan. 27) that blood samples taken from hogs in every district of the province tested negative for ASF.
Lemana, who welcomed the positive result, also acknowledged the vigilance of para- veterinarians deployed in the barangay level.
They help the PVO in the prevention of ASF and other swine diseases, she added.
In 2023, ASF and hog cholera caused serious damage to the hog industry in Negros Occidental, resulting in the death of more than 18,000 hogs, with estimated losses of almost P200 million. | GB
