August 8, 2024

ASF cases reported in La Union villages in Ilocos, Philippines

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Ilocos region has confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in ten villages across two towns and a city in La Union province, Philippine News Agency reported.

Dr Alfiero Banaag, the DA-Ilocos regulatory division chief and ASF focal person, reported that seven villages in Balaoan, two in Luna, and one in San Fernando City have recorded positive cases of ASF.

In response, 329 swine from Balaoan, 56 from Luna, and 30 from San Fernando City have been culled. "We are in close coordination with the local government units to contain its spread in other areas," Dr Banaag stated.

To prevent further spread, the affected areas have imposed a 30-day temporary ban on the movement of live swine into or out of their jurisdictions.

Dr Banaag noted that continuous monitoring is necessary due to the absence of a vaccine for ASF. "The virus remains and can spread. Based on our observation last year, cases emerge during the wet season," he explained.

Compensation for the affected backyard swine raisers includes PHP 5,000 (US$87) per head of culled swine, with a maximum of 20 heads per raiser. This affects 72 raisers from Balaoan, seven from Luna, and one from San Fernando City.

D Banaag also mentioned that the towns of Anda and Sta Barbara in Pangasinan are still classified as red (infected) zones. Meanwhile, nine municipalities in Ilocos Sur are moving from red to pink status, indicating no recorded cases within a 90-day period.

The supply of pork in the region remains adequate, but Dr Banaag acknowledged that the ASF cases could slightly impact prices.

-      Philippine News Agency