Pig deaths in Negros Oriental town not ASF-related

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Oriental on Thursday announced that the dead pigs reported in Dauin town last week have tested negative for African swine fever (ASF).

This was shown in laboratory results from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Central Office in Quezon City, said Provincial Veterinarian Belinda Villahermosa during a meeting with hog raisers and suppliers at the Negros Oriental Convention Center here.

The swine deaths in Barangay Maayong Tubig were reported last week from at least three households.

Initial investigation showed that some of the pigs were fed with swill by their owners.

Although they were not ASF-related cases, Villahermosa said that there are still some tests to be conducted to determine the cause of their deaths, which could have been triggered either by classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome — a widespread viral disease that affects domestic pigs.

As this developed, the provincial government is expected to issue a new executive order regarding the regulation on the shipment of pork and by-products outside of Negros Oriental as the existing pork ban expires on May 18.

Villahermosa also urged the general public and stakeholders “to observe strict biosafety and biosecurity measures” to ensure that the province will continue to remain ASF-free.

Meanwhile, Board Member Woodrow Maquiling, during the same meeting, told hog raisers, backyard farmers, suppliers and other stakeholders that the board will address concerns regarding the seven-day quarantine of transportation used for shipping these animals to the BAI here.

Maquiling said the seven-day period is prescribed for the disinfection of these vehicles to ensure that they are not carrying ASF or any other viruses that would affect pigs and other animals. (PNA)