CAGAYAN---The provincial government here continued to distribute financial assistance to farmers with hogs that had to be slaughtered to prevent the spread of the African swine fever (ASF).
Acting Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Noli V. Buen, informed the Cagayan Provincial Information Office (PIO) that around 2,089 pigs have been culled to prevent the spread of the virus.
The veterinarian further explained that, after the culling, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has already submitted the list of names of hog raisers to the Provincial Treasury Officer for the distribution of financial assistance.
The cost for each pig culled will be paid by the provincial government of Cagayan (PGC) would be P3,000. Each hog raiser will be paid up to three pigs by the local government.
According to the latest PVO data, 24 barangays in eight towns were affected by the ASF.
These were barangays Agani, Calatac and Pinopoc in Alcala; La Suerte, Bayabat, Monte Alegre, Amulung Center; Liwan Sur, Lanna in Enrile; Baculud in Iguig; Flourishing at Sta. Clara of Gonzaga; Warat, Piat; Parog-Parog, Palao, Maguirig, Iraga, Cadaanan, Gadu, Nangalisan in Solana; and barangays of Dagupan, Malalinta, Palca, Bugnay in Tuao.
The 286 blood samples obtained from other barangays of Alcala, Amulung, Enrile, Gonzaga, Piat, Penablanca, Solana and Tuao were negative for the ASF virus.
Meanwhile, Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba recently signed an executive order that would allow the entry of live hogs fresh, frozen pork and processed products from Ilocos Norte to the province.