African swine fever cases fall

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of African swine fever (ASF) in the country have dwindled in recent months, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, adding that hog raisers are now gradually boosting their hog inventory after declining by as much as 24 percent.

“The incidence of ASF is waning as blood samples of suspected hogs that tested positive is down to 147 as of August 2021 [from 457 in July],” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

He added that ASF incidence was now down to only 24 barangays in 16 cities and municipalities.

—KARL R. OCAMPO

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