• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to distribute hogs to farmers despite the presence of African swine fever (ASF) cases in the province, with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson saying the impact of the disease has significantly declined compared to last year.
Lacson said on Thursday, Aug. 6 that the provincial government remains confident in pursuing its swine recovery initiatives as hog raisers have become more knowledgeable in managing ASF outbreaks and preventing the spread of the virus.
The governor, together with Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana and 6th District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola, distributed livestock worth more than P790,000 at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
Cattle, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and hogs were released to qualified farmer-beneficiaries under the Provincial Swine Industry Recovery Initiatives and Animal Genetic Improvement and Livelihood Program.
The initiative forms part of the Capitol’s continuing efforts to rebuild the swine industry while providing additional livelihood opportunities to farmers affected by ASF and other agricultural challenges.
Based on data from the Provincial Veterinary Office, a total of 2,338 hogs have died due to ASF and other hog diseases in 17 local government units across the province this year.
The figures represent only 2.57 percent of the combined hog population of 90,981 in the affected areas.
Lacson said the lower mortality rate indicates that livestock raisers are now better equipped to respond when ASF is detected, helping minimize further transmission. | GPB
