Village’s ASF cases are first in Quirino province

SAGUDAY, Quirino–Cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been confirmed in this town, the first for the province, according to local officials.

Mayor Marcelina Pagbilao said blood samples from pigs in La Paz village tested positive for the disease that is fatal to hogs.

Pagbilao said she had ordered the municipal agriculture officer to disinfect piggeries in the village and nearby areas.

“Luckily, we only have one barangay with confirmed ASF case so we are strictly monitoring the entry and exit of pigs and pork products,” she said.

Pagbilao said the ASF infestation could have started when some villagers brought home contaminated pork from Tabuk City, an ASF-infected area in Kalinga province.

In Isabela province, ASF infestation was recorded in 34 villages in 14 towns, said Dr. Angelo Naui, provincial veterinarian.

At least 1,611 pigs had already been culled in the province, he said.

The village of Mambabanga in Luna town and Ramos West in San Isidro town reported the most recent ASF cases.

Edited by TSB