• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Hog shipments from Negros Occidental to Iloilo have resumed after the province recorded no new African swine fever (ASF) cases for at least 40 days, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana said Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Lemana said Iloilo allows the entry of hogs from areas that have remained free of active ASF cases for at least 40 days under an executive order issued by the provincial government.
The Bureau of Animal Industry earlier classified Silay City and San Enrique in Negros Occidental as red zones following the detection of ASF cases in the areas.
However, Lemana said no new hog mortalities have been reported across Negros Occidental since the first week of August, or for about 50 days.
She said affected local government units that meet the required conditions may eventually be downgraded from red to yellow zones.
Aside from Iloilo and other areas in Panay, Negros Occidental also ships hogs to Manila, Lemana said.
Despite the resumption of shipments, the Provincial Veterinary Office continues to conduct surveillance and monitoring for ASF.
“Indi gid na ma-zero (It will never reach zero,” Lemana said, noting that ASF remains present in Negros and requires sustained monitoring and control measures.
She said the province has observed an increase in ASF cases during the rainy season, particularly from late May to July, when accumulated water may contribute to conditions favorable for disease transmission.
Lemana urged hog raisers to strengthen biosecurity measures and avoid overcrowding, especially during periods of unfavorable weather.
With a possible Super El Niño being anticipated, she also advised livestock raisers to secure adequate water supplies and maintain well-ventilated animal housing to minimize heat stress and respiratory diseases.
Commercial hog farms commonly use electric fans, industrial ponds and water-misting systems to keep animals cool, while the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is prepared to assist affected farmers, Lemana said. | GPB
