Lacson says ASF in Negros Occidental under control despite spreading to 14 LGUs
LACSON
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province is under control despite affecting 14 of the province's 31 local government units (LGUs).
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, July 14, Lacson said the province's response has been effective because LGUs have strictly implemented protocols based on their previous experience in dealing with ASF outbreaks.
As of July 13, provincial data showed that 2,185 hogs out of 61,854 have died. Lacson said most of the deaths were attributed to ASF, accounting for about 3.53 percent of the province's hog population. "That's only 3.53 percent. I hope we can keep it below five percent," the governor said.
Lacson reminded hog raisers to immediately bury pigs that die from ASF and conduct proper disinfection to help prevent the disease from spreading.
He added that while hog mortalities have been reported, affected LGUs are already familiar with the measures needed to contain the outbreak.
"It will be alarming if we put our guards down, but the way we are reacting, it's very much under control," Lacson said.
The provincial government has intensified biosecurity measures and set up ASF checkpoints in border areas to prevent the entry of pork and pork products from infected areas.
San Enrique was the first LGU in Negros Occidental to report the resurgence of ASF last month.
Lacson declined to identify the 14 affected LGUs, saying it is up to each local government to announce and confirm ASF cases within their jurisdictions.