DVMF: Quiot ASF outbreak contained

CEBU, Philippines —Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) has clarified that the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Barangay Quiot has already been contained, confirming that 19 hogs were humanely culled after nine tested positive.

While Mayor Nestor Archival earlier mentioned “around 20” pigs, City Veterinarian Dr. Jessica Maribojoc explained that one hog had already died before depopulation, bringing the total to 19.

“Out of twenty-two tested hogs, nine were confirmed ASF-positive. To prevent further spread, all nineteen live pigs were culled within five days of detection,” she said in an interview.

The Quiot case was accordingly contained swiftly since the affected farmer was the sole hog raiser in the upland area, making isolation possible.

However, another barangay with more than 100 pigs is now under close monitoring.

“Within a 500-meter radius, no movement is allowed until testing is completed,” Dr. Maribojoc stressed, adding that vigilance remains critical.

Investigators traced possible transmission in Quiot to a pig that escaped and was caught by residents, or through a hog or pork meat brought in from a neighboring barangay where hogs had died.

“We are still tracing possible local transmission. That’s why border controls between barangays have been tightened,” Dr. Maribojoc said.

She emphasized that ASF is a “die-hard virus,” surviving in pig blood for up to 18 months, feces for 30 days, and frozen meat for three years.

Prior to detection, Executive Order No. 86 had already been signed, strengthening border controls at Cebu ports and coordinating with agencies including the Bureau of Animal Industry, Cebu Port Authority, Coast Guard, and local police.

Following the Quiot incident, DVMF intensified surveillance, launched awareness campaigns, and enforced inter-barangay border controls to prevent further spread.

Maribojoc stressed the importance of hog registration and livestock insurance under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

“If insured, they will be compensated in case of depopulation,” she said.

Farmers are also urged to disinfect facilities daily, prevent outsiders and flies from entering piggeries, and immediately report sick or dying pigs.

The Cebu City Government reiterated its call for hog raisers to strictly comply with biosecurity protocols and cooperate with surveillance efforts.

“Early reporting and strict biosecurity are vital to protect our hog industry and food security,” the DVMF advisory stated.

With containment achieved in Quiot within fifteen days, officials assured the public that ASF has not spread beyond the monitored areas. (CEBU NEWS)