The pig death toll in Negros Occidental from various diseases, including hog cholera, hit 5,968, with 459 new fatalities in seven barangays on Thursday, May 25.
The total damage to the hog industry reached P71,368,650 affecting 1,220 hog raisers, a Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) report showed.
The additional barangays affected Thursday were 1 and 1 A in Manapla, Batuan in Valladolid, Pacol in Bago City, Utod in Pulupandan, MH del Pilar in Pontevedra and San Pedro in Binalbagan.
A proposal is being prepared to provide cash assistance to the affected hograisers and caretakers, Ma. Gerla Sario, OIC Provincial Social Welfare Officer, said.
The proposal is being discussed with Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, the PVO and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, she said.
They are planning to give P2,000 to P5,000 cash as livelihood assistance to those affected, she said.
She will also seek possible additional assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sario said.
The areas hit by hog deaths are San Enrique – 2,092, Bago City – 1,125, Valladolid – 1,091, Pontevedra – 480, Pulupandan – 382, EB Magalona – 351, La Carlota City – 268, Murcia – 65, Binalbagan – 45, Manapla – 39, Talisay City – 16, Cadiz City – 6, Silay City -2, 10, and Hinigaran – 6, the PVO report said.
The deaths were caused by hog cholera, pneumonia and heat strokes, Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana said earlier.*