Cagayan Province reports ASF infestation

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Hogs in Cagayan province have been stricken with African swine fever.

Nine barangays (villages) in Solana town have been isolated, after the municipal government banned the trade and slaughter of pigs within a one-kilometer radius from the affected area, Provincial Veterinarian Noli Buen informed Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba during the March 6 management committee meeting held Lal-lo town.

Blood samples taken from backyard hog raisers in Bauan East, Andarayan South, Andarayan North, Bantay, Ubong, Bangag, Sampaguita, Lanna and Pattaya tested positive of ASF contamination.

Fifty-four hogs were culled to avoid the spread of the virus, Buen said, while financial assistance is being readied for their owners. Frozen pork products were also banned entry.

Checkpoints at entry and exit points have been installed by members of the police, local agriculturists, and livestock technicians, said Cagayan spokesman Rogelio Sending Jr.

The Marines were also asked to help monitor waterways, which may be used to smuggle pigs.

In Isabela, 29 barangays in 12 towns have recorded ASF infections prompting the destruction of 1,436 heads of pigs, said provincial veterinarian Angelo Naui said.

In Kalinga province, Barangays San Julian and Bulanao in Tabuk City have been locked down due to ASF.