African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in Batuan town, with a case detected in barangay Poblacion Sur, local officials reported.
Governor Aris Aumentado signed Executive Order (EO) No. 55 on December 4, declaring Poblacion Sur an ASF-infected zone and initiating protocols to control the disease.
The order includes mandatory depopulation of pigs within a 100-meter radius of the index cases, disinfection, and establishment of quarantine and surveillance areas.
The Municipal Agriculture Office of Batuan received reports of pig deaths on November 30, with samples testing positive for ASF using the DA POCKIT Central PCR Veterinary Analyzer in Ubay.
Initial investigations revealed that pig deaths had occurred as early as October 20, 2024 in Purok 7, Poblacion Sur, but were not reported.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte convened a meeting on December 4, where the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) provided updates on the ASF situation in Batuan.
Dr. Meydallyn Paman confirmed the death of 38 pigs from 5 owners, with samples collected for ASF testing.
The area was immediately cordoned off, and border control established at five entry/exit points.
Neighboring barangays Cantigdas, Poblacion Norte, Quezon, and Cabacnitan are also under surveillance.
The OPV, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), augmented border control points and facilitated ASF testing with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry (DA BAI).
The next two weeks are crucial for the implementation of quarantine protocols in Batuan.
The PNP is requiring health certificates for those bringing live pigs into the town.
Neighboring Sevilla and Balilihan have also implemented border security measures.
San Miguel Under State of Emergency
The town of San Miguel in Bohol has been placed under a state of emergency due to an ASF outbreak, local officials announced.
Mayor Ian Mendez declared the state of emergency on November 27, following confirmation of ASF cases in several puroks in barangay San Vicente.
The move aims to prevent the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on the local swine industry.
At least 80 pigs have been culled within a 100-meter radius of the index case, with the support of local hog raisers.
The Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office recommended the declaration, which was endorsed by the provincial government.
Governor Aumentado issued an executive order declaring the affected areas in San Miguel as ASF-infected zones.
Checkpoints have been set up to prevent the movement of pork and pork products, while surveillance and contact tracing are underway.
The ASF outbreak in San Miguel was first reported on November 23, with the OPV conducting a quick response to investigate suspected ASF-related pig deaths.
Blood samples from the pigs tested positive for ASF.
The Philippine government has been battling ASF outbreaks since 2019, with the disease affecting the livelihoods of thousands of hog raisers and farmers.
The government has implemented various measures to control the spread of the disease, including the establishment of ASF-free zones and biosecurity protocols.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting pigs, with no effective vaccine. It can be prevented through proper sanitation and hygiene practices.