Hogs in 3 Occidental Mindoro towns negative for ASF — DA

MANILA, Philippines — The blood samples of pigs in three Occidental Mindoro towns tested negative for African Swine Fever (ASF), an indication that there are no more active cases in these areas where outbreaks for the virus were declared, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Friday.

DA said the blood samples of pigs from the towns of San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Rizal tested negative for ASF.

In January, an ASF outbreak was declared in these areas.

“Following the negative results, the municipalities have taken a proactive step by applying for the RAS-ASF ( Recognition of Active Surveillance on ASF) from BAI,” the DA said in a statement.

Aside from assurances that there are no active ASF cases in these areas, the RAS-ASF also serves as a prerequisite for allowing the entry and exit of pigs in Occidental Mindoro. (Melanie Tamayo, INQUIRER.net intern)