Nine Isabela towns locked down over ASF

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, Philippines — Nine towns in Isabela have banned the entry of pigs and pork to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in the province.

The towns of Quezon, Quirino, Mallig, Aurora, Roxas, San Manuel, Gamu, Cordon and Jones have detected cases of contamination.

Except for Cordon and Jones, these towns are near Tabuk City in Kalinga province, where swine flu cases were recorded in January.

Piggeries at Barangay Pangal Sur and San Manuel in Echague town, Barangay Santos in Quezon and Barangay Santiago in Reina Mercedes town have also been investigated by the veterinary office due to hogs showing symptoms associated with the disease.—Villamor Visayas Jr.