March 15, 2024

 

ASF leads to decline in swine production in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Swine production in Negros Occidental province, the Philippines, saw a significant decline of 4.79% in 2023, primarily due to the impact of African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera, as revealed by figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine News Agency reported.

 

Last year, the province's swine production plummeted to 58,182.10 metric tonnes (MT), a decrease from 61,109.27 MT recorded in 2022, resulting in a 2.62% reduction in the total livestock production of Negros Occidental, which includes swine, carabao, cattle, and goats, from 76,640.77 MT in 2022 to 74,633.05 MT in 2023.

 

According to the PSA-Negros Occidental's annual livestock and poultry situation report, the decline in swine production attributed to the effects of hog cholera and ASF significantly contributed to the overall decrease.

 

However, amidst the decline in swine production, there were notable increases in carabao, cattle, and goat production by 4.39%, 11.77%, and 1.4%, respectively, during the same period.

 

In 2023, carabao production totalled 8,921.51 MT, cattle production reached 4,810.53 MT, and goat production amounted to 2,718.91 MT.

 

In terms of production distribution, swine accounted for 78%, followed by carabao at 12%, cattle at 6%, and goat at 4%.

 

Data further revealed a significant decline in swine inventory in January by 16.21%, along with decreases in carabao and goat inventories.

 

While there was an increase in chicken production by 14.42%, with a total of 40,350.82 MT, duck production experienced a decline of 2.52% in 2023.

 

Both chicken and duck egg production also saw a decrease, according to the PSA's livestock and poultry production data, derived from the results of surveys conducted quarterly.

 

-      Philippine News Agency