Pig deaths from various diseases have hit 0.65 percent of the 329,531 hog population in Negros Occidental, the provincial veterinarian said Thursday, July 2.
Dr. Placeda Lemana said 2,130 pig deaths from various diseases have been reported across 13 local government units (LGUs) in the province.
However, it is not known how many died from African Swine Fever (ASF), as samples for testing were not taken before the animals were buried.
The deaths represent 3.81 percent of the hog population within those 13 affected LGUs, she added.
Of the 13 LGUs, only San Enrique has admitted so far that its pig deaths were caused by ASF, Lemana said.
She noted that border controls have been heightened as a security measure.
ASF signs and symptoms should be reported immediately so they can be acted upon, she said.
Lemana also stressed the need to properly bury pigs to prevent the spread of disease, pointing out that a dead pig was recently seen floating in the Bago River, which could contaminate the water source for other livestock.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that although the pig deaths are not even 1 percent of the province’s total hog population, farmers should not become complacent.
“Biosecurity measures should be strictly implemented to prevent hog deaths and the spread of ASF,” Lacson said, adding that it will take a long time before ASF is totally eradicated.
He urged farmers not to focus solely on raising pigs, but to also consider other livestock such as chickens and goats.
On Thursday, Lacson distributed 1,555 ducks, free-range chickens, and piglets to 14 associations, three farm schools, and one LGU as part of the provincial government’s livelihood programs.
The animals came from the Negros First Ranch and the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm.*
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