3 Negros Oriental LGUs record zero ASF cases, ready for ‘pink zone’

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DUMAGUETE CITY — At least three towns in Negros Oriental are headed toward the “pink zone” category for recording zero African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in recent weeks.

Jaymar Vilos, spokesperson-designate of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Wednesday that Bais City was recently declared a “pink zone” and is gearing up to send or sell live hogs outside its coverage area.

The two other towns, Ayungon and Vallehermoso, are working on completing the papers for the declaration as a pink zone, he said.

The Bureau of Agriculture Industry has formally published the upgrading of Bais City to a pink zone, he added.

Vilos explained that a pink zone category means a certain area is considered “safe from ASF due to standard safety requirements complied by the LGU (local government unit).”

Apart from being allowed to send live hogs out of its coverage areas, a pink zone qualifies for government assistance and the insurance of live hogs would resume.

Vilos urged LGUs to comply with documentary requirements so that they may be upgraded to a pink zone and eventually to a green zone.

While the entire province has recorded no ASF cases these past weeks, authorities are constantly monitoring the situation to prevent the resurgence of the virus. (PNA)