ASF strikes hogs at Benguet mine town near Baguio border

BAGUIO CITY — Over 70 pigs have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) at Barangay Tuding in the Benguet mining town of Itogon, prompting local authorities to begin “depopulation” operations and control the movement of live hogs and pork products along the borders.

Municipal Veterinarian Dr. Franklin P. Balanban said the culling covers hogs owned by seven swine raisers in the sitios of Baguio Gold, Yanggacan, and Cupao.

The ASF cases were confirmed from blood samples analyzed by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

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READ: Cebu bans hog, pork shipments from Negros, other ASF-hit areas

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The local government said possible sources of the outbreak include swill feeding, the sale of infected pork, the movement of farmers, contaminated river water, and contact with contaminated objects such as vehicles and footwear.

In response, the Itogon government, in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office and barangay officials, has carried out the mass disinfection of affected pigpens and farm premises.

Itogon Mayor Bernard S. Waclin on Wednesday issued Executive Order No. 38 imposing stricter regulations on the movement of live swine and pork products across the municipality to contain the outbreak.

Balanban urged hog raisers to strengthen farm biosecurity by limiting movement between piggeries and refraining from buying pork from unverified sources. He also called on residents to immediately report suspected ASF cases and cooperate with authorities to prevent the disease from spreading to neighboring communities./coa

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