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No new ASF case in 389 towns, cities

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 80 percent of cities and municipalities hit by African


swine fever (ASF) have not reported any new case, according to the Bureau of Animal
Industry (BAI).

In a forum organized by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, BAI


director Reildrin Morales said the number of ASF cases in the country continues to
drop.

Morales said 389 of the 493 cities and towns, which had been affected by the swine
disease, have no new case.

At least 305 of the areas reported no new case in the past six months and the rest in the
past three months.

Morales said ASF incidence in the country continues to decline, with only 98 cases as of
April 16.

In March, the BAI reported 286 ASF cases nationwide.

The number of ASF cases started to drop in November when 568 were
recorded, which is lower than the 597 cases in October. It further dropped to
360 in December and 358 in January.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) implemented the sentinel approach or


limited placement of pigs in test areas as it works toward repopulation.

DA-National Livestock Program director Ruth Miclat-Sonaco said sentinel


piglets were recently distributed in Batangas, Benguet and Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, in Abra, an outbreak of ASF was reported in Malibcong,


Daguioman and Tineg.

Gov. Maria Jocelyn Valera-Bernos said precautionary measures, including the


setting up of quarantine areas, would be implemented to prevent the spread of
the swine disease.

In accordance with national government measures, the provincial government


ordered the ban on the transport of hogs and by-products as well as culling of
pigs within 500 meters of infected areas. – Artemio Dumlao

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