• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Three local government units in Negros Occidental previously affected by the African swine fever (ASF) have been upgraded to “pink zones” by the Department of Agriculture.
The formerly ASF red (infected) zones turned into “pink zones” are the municipalities of Pulupandan and Hinigaran as well as Silay City.
They may now be classified as ASF-free, according to the Provincial Veterinary Office.
It will also signal the start of “sentineling program”, where sentinel hogs have to undergo a 40-day observation program.
Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana said they may also apply for recognition for active surveillance, which is a requirement for the shipment of hogs outside the province.
In yellow zones, the DA allows hogs repopulation by breeders.
Other LGUs in Negros Occidental hit by ASF are the cities of Escalante, Kabankalan, San Carlos and Victorias, and the municipalities of La Castellana and Valladolid.
Hog fatalities due to ASF and other swine diseases last year have reached 17,801, representing 9.96 percent of the total hog population in the province.
The hog industry also incurred losses worth P200 million.
At least 3,536 hog raisers in 153 barangays in 20 towns and cities were affected. | GB
