‘ASF in Occidental Mindoro contained’

MANILA, Philippines — The outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Occidental Mindoro has been contained, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The DA cited a report from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which showed that there was no active case of the swine disease in areas where cases have been recorded.

As of Jan. 17, Sta. Cruz town recorded seven cases; San Jose, five, and Rizal, two.

The DA said entry and exit of hogs in Occidental Mindoro is now allowed.

ASF on Mindoro Island was first detected in Naujan and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro late last year.

Occidental Mindoro was among the 12 provinces initially included on the list of ASF-free areas.

Only Basilan, Batanes, Biliran, Bohol, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Palawan, Siquijor, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are now free from the swine disease.

The BAI said ASF has spread to 65 provinces.

AGAP party-list representative and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines president Nicanor Briones said hog industry losses due to ASF have reached P200 billion since 2019.