June 14, 2022

1,000 hogs in Zamboanga, Philippines, dead due to ASF

Some 1,000 hogs died in Zamboanga City, the Philippines, during the past weeks due to African swine fever (ASF), records of the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVET) showed.

Dr. Mario Ariola, Zamboanga City's veterinarian, said 651 hogs died from the disease while 430 suspected to be infected with the virus were put down.

There are still 1,081 being monitored by OCVET for possible ASF infections.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has placed Zamboanga City under the red zone due to the spread of ASF cases in the communities.

Nearly 400 hog raisers in various communities are now affected by ASF.

The local government of Zamboanga has provided food packs to the affected families to help them cope with their losses, said Ariola.

Depopulation of hogs is still being conducted while strict monitoring of borders is being implemented to prevent the entry of live hogs into Zamboanga City.

- Manila Bulletin