Negros Occ is still ASF-free

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Occidental said Monday that the province remains free of the African swine fever (ASF).

PVO acting head Dr. Placeda Lemana made the pronouncement after several hogs in Victorias City fell ill, although test samples taken from the hogs were later found negative for ASF.

Lemana said the samples taken in Victorias City were part of the province’s ongoing surveillance.

She added that the sick hogs were reported to have a fever and some rashes, although confirmatory results proved them to be negative for ASF.

Lemana said it is a great advantage for Negros Occidental to have its own animal laboratory, as they were able to immediately perform tests on the animals, thus improving the province’s capability to respond depending on the test results.

The PVO has also undertaken all necessary measures to further step up its protection of the local swine industry.

Lemana further said that they have recently conducted an orientation with local police assigned to the BREDCO and Banago ports for close monitoring against the entry of pork and other pork byproducts from outside the province.

She also said that they have already alerted barangay officials, especially those in coastal areas to closely monitor their respective areas against entry of pork which could possibly be transported here through small motor boats especially since pork prices in Iloilo are now cheaper.

Negros Occidental has a P6-billion swine industry, and the entry of ASF in the province could have a negative impact on the province’s food production.