By DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
Authorities have confirmed the presence of African swine fever (ASF) in four barangays across the province of Bohol, sparking fears over the potential spread of the highly contagious disease among hog populations.
The latest case was detected in Barangay Nueva Vida Norte, Carmen, on December 28, 2024.
According to Rommy Garcia, supervising agriculturist of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, the provincial government swiftly implemented depopulation measures, culling all pigs within a 100-meter radius of the infected site to prevent the virus from spreading further.
“We are coordinating with municipal LGU in Carmen to establish checkpoints and enforce border control measures,” Garcia said. “The movement of pigs and pork products to and from the affected areas has been strictly prohibited.”
ASF cases were earlier recorded in three other barangays including PoblacionNorte, Batuan; Bayongan, San Miguel; and San Francisco, Ubay
The first known cases were reported in October 2024 in San Miguel, which then spread to Batuan and Ubay.
Authorities suspect the disease may have been transmitted through infected hogs transported without proper permits.
In response to the outbreaks, Governor ArisAumentado issued Executive Order No. 62, declaring ASF-infected zones in Barangay Nueva Vida Norte and setting strict quarantine protocols.
The executive order outlines the following measures:
1. 100-Meter Quarantine Zone:
Immediate culling of all pigs within the zone.
Prohibition of any movement of pigs, pork, or related products.
Disinfection of affected areas using approved biosecurity protocols, including foot baths at checkpoints.
2. 300-Meter Surveillance Zone:
Testing of all pigs within the zone to determine infection status.
Monitoring for signs of ASF among the hog population.
3. 300-500 Meter Buffer Zone:
Limited pig movement, contingent on negative ASF test results.
Increased inspections and biosecurity compliance.
4. 500-Meter to 1-Kilometer Surveillance Zone:
Random blood sampling of hogs for ASF testing.
Public awareness campaigns to educate farmers and residents on disease prevention.
Reports said the ASF outbreak poses a threat to Bohol’s multi-billion-peso hog industry.
To address the crisis, the provincial government has allocated financial assistance to affected swine raisers.
On December 13, 2024, a total of PHP1,104,000 was distributed to 144 farmers in San Miguel’s San Vicente village, where the disease was first reported.
Governor Aumentado has also issued several executive orders to curb ASF transmission:
Executive Order No. 57: Six-month moratorium on boar-for-hire activities, identified as a potential vector for ASF.
Executive Order No. 58: Accreditation of all hog traders operating within the province.
Executive Orders No. 59 and 61: Specific containment protocols for affected barangays in Ubay and Batuan.
Checkpoints and border control measures have been established across ASF-affected towns to prevent infected pork products from reaching ASF-free zones.
Authorities are also conducting regular inspections and testing to monitor the spread of the virus.
Residents are urged to report any unusual pig deaths and follow biosecurity measures, including disinfecting footwear and restricting access to pig farms. Public information campaigns are ongoing to raise awareness about ASF and prevent misinformation.
The provincial government has assured the public that ASF does not pose any risk to human health but emphasized the need for vigilance to protect the province’s hog industry and prevent potential food security issues.
As of now, containment efforts continue across the affected areas, with authorities closely monitoring developments to ensure that the spread of ASF is halted.
Last year, the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak resurfaced in several towns in Bohol, including Dauis, Batuan, and San Miguel, prompting the provincial government to implement emergency measures to contain the disease.
The ASF outbreak has been a recurring problem for Bohol, a province known for its robust hog industry valued at approximately P6 billion pesos.
The disease was first detected in the province in 2019, leading to heightened biosecurity measures across the province. With no known vaccine available, ASF has a mortality rate of nearly 100% for infected animals.
In Dauis, at least 59 pigs died across several barangays, including Mayacabac, Biking, and Mariveles, in April 2024, prompting the local government to declare a state of calamity.
The town implemented emergency measures, including financial assistance for affected farmers and a temporary ban on the entry of live pigs and pork products from neighboringPanglao Island.
In Batuan, at least 39 pigs died in Barangay Poblacion Sur in December 2024, leading to immediate culling efforts and strict quarantine protocols.
The provincial government responded by compensating affected farmers and ramping up surveillance measures to contain the virus.
San Miguel town also recorded its first ASF cases in November 2024, after a seven-month lull, prompting swift action from local authorities to cull infected animals and implement biosecurity measures.
The Bohol provincial government has been proactive in addressing the ASF outbreaks, providing financial assistance to affected hog raisers, including P5,000 pesos for adult pigs and P1,000 pesos for piglets. Additional support includes P10,000 pesos per family from social welfare programs.
Authorities have established checkpoints to monitor the movement of livestock and enforce quarantine protocols.
Disinfection efforts are ongoing in affected areas to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Local governments have also initiated educational campaigns to inform farmers about ASF prevention strategies, emphasizing early reporting of sick animals and adherence to biosecurity practices.
In addition to Dauis, Batuan, and San Miguel, other towns in Bohol, such as Panglao and Tagbilaran, are also on high alert for potential ASF outbreaks.
Reports said the provincial government is working closely with local authorities and farmers to ensure that biosecurity measures are in place and that any suspected cases are reported immediately.