Eight municipalities in Bohol province are now affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), according to provincial veterinary officials.
Provincial Veterinarian Romy Garcia confirmed that ASF cases have been detected in the municipalities of Batuan, Carmen, Bilar, San Miguel, Ubay, Trinidad, Pilar, and Talibon.
Talibon is the most recent addition to the list of affected areas.
Approximately 2,000 pigs have been culled as part of containment measures, Garcia said.
However, he noted that the situation remains manageable, with some municipalities that were first hit by the disease showing signs of recovery.
The Department of Agriculture has adjusted its zoning classifications, placing only the affected municipalities in the red zone rather than the entire province. This targeted approach reflects the localized nature of the outbreak.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs, though it poses no risk to human health.
The province of Bohol has been plagued with a resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF).
After a seven-month hiatus, new cases have emerged, prompting swift action from Bohol authorities to contain the outbreak and mitigate its impact on the province’s P6-billion hog industry.
In late November 2024, ASF was detected in Barangay San Vicente, San Miguel town, where at least three pigs tested positive for the virus.
This marked the first reported case since April 2024. Subsequently, the disease spread to other areas, including Barangay Nueva Vida Norte in Carmen, PoblacionNorte in Batuan, Bayongan in San Miguel, and San Francisco in Ubay.
As of January 2025, ASF has affected nine barangays across five municipalities.
In response to the outbreaks, Governor ArisAumentado issued Executive Order No. 57, imposing a six-month moratorium on boar-for-hire activities, identified as a potential vector for ASF transmission.
On top of that, Executive Order No. 58 mandates the accreditation of hog traders to ensure proper monitoring and regulation of hog-related activities.
The provincial government has also implemented strict quarantine protocols, including the culling of pigs within a 100-meter radius of infection sites, surveillance within a 300-meter radius, and the establishment of checkpoints to control the movement of pigs and pork products.
Financial assistance has been provided to affected farmers, with each household receiving P10,000 from the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture.