Photo courtesy of PNA.
African swine fever cases in Negros Oriental have been contained after infected hogs were culled, although authorities continue to monitor the province for possible new infections.
Provincial Veterinarian Melody Vilan said laboratory results from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that all 66 blood samples collected from pigs in La Libertad tested negative for the virus.
The Provincial Veterinary Office has requested an ASF-free certification for La Libertad following the negative test results. The town earlier recorded five confirmed ASF cases that prompted expanded testing in all its barangays.
Authorities have also completed the culling of infected and exposed hogs in previously affected areas across the province.
As of July 17, 11 infected pigs had been culled in Tanjay City, while 25 hogs, including those exposed to the virus, were also depopulated in Amlan.
Despite the absence of new confirmed cases and hog deaths, surveillance activities remain underway to ensure the disease does not spread to other localities.
Blood sampling was scheduled in Canlaon City and Mabinay, with similar monitoring activities in the remaining local government units set for next week. Border control measures also remain in place to prevent the entry of live pigs from provinces with confirmed ASF cases.
Vilan said there was no need to place Negros Oriental under a state of calamity, adding that local authorities would continue working with the Bureau of Animal Industry to strengthen disease surveillance and protect the province’s hog industry.