Iloilo City tagged as ASF ‘red zone’

Iloilo City is now classified as a red zone after one more barangay recorded confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF).

The latest cases were from Barangay Bito-on in Jaro district, Dr. Suzette Leal of the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV) said.

Two of the five specimens yielded positive, based on the results released on Dec. 2, Leal said in an interview on Friday.

On Nov. 24, Iloilo City recorded its confirmed ASF case in Zone 5, Barangay Tacas, also in Jaro District after one of the 17 samples submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory turned out positive for the animal disease.

A municipality or city is tagged as a red or infected zone should two or more barangays were affected by the virus based on the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Administrative Order 52.

Of the five remaining piglets, two others also died on Dec. 3 prompting the OCV to repopulate the remaining stocks.

Leal said they have traced the source of the piglets but there were no more stocks of the animal during their inspection.

During their surveillance, they found that there were no swine that can be found within the five-kilometer radius of the affected area.

She added that based on the Department of Agriculture administrative circular, swine coming from other zones can still enter the city as long as they have the corresponding documents.

It can also transport to areas that are also in the red zone.

The Iloilo slaughterhouse also continues to accept hogs provided they have the proper documents.

“Usually they are just being supplied in the city,” Leal added.

She also reminded the public to make sure that the pork that they buy has a meat inspection certificate.

Backyard raisers are also advised to continue observing biosecurity measures and avoid feeding their hogs with swill.

Iloilo City’s first cases of ASF were recorded in Barangay Tacas also in Jaro district last month. (PNA)