African Swine Fever (ASF) has devastated 35 of Bohol’s 47 towns, leaving the provincial government appearing overwhelmed by the crisis while Governor Aris Aumentado has yet to issue any public statement addressing the escalating outbreak.
The viral disease has now spread to nearly three-quarters of the province’s municipalities, threatening Bohol’s estimated seven-billion-peso hog industry that predominantly relies on small-scale backyard operations, according to reports.
Despite active containment efforts by veterinary teams, data from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian shows the virus continues its rapid spread, raising questions about the effectiveness of response measures.
Only 12 towns remain unaffected by the outbreak, while Tagbilaran City, which reported active cases months earlier, claims to have brought the infection under control through undisclosed measures.
The crisis has particularly impacted backyard hog raisers who form the backbone of Bohol’s swine industry.
LGU authorities have implemented quarantine checkpoints, rapid testing protocols, carcass disposal operations, and intensive farm disinfection programs, yet the disease continues its relentless advance.
Localized lockdowns have been imposed in affected areas to prevent movement of live pigs and pork products, while officials urge farmers to report hog deaths immediately and improve biosecurity measures.
The provincial government has reportedly coordinated with the Department of Agriculture for assistance programs, including livelihood support and recovery initiatives for affected farmers.
However, the absence of visible leadership from Governor Aumentado has left many questioning the province’s commitment to addressing the crisis.