ASF hits North Cotabato town

MANILA, Philippines — African swine fever (ASF) has affected piggeries in two barangays in Magpet town in North Cotabato.

Arlan Mangelen, regional director of the Department of Agriculture in Soccsksargen, confirmed the outbreak of ASF in neighboring Barangays Magcaalam and Ilian.

At least 68 swine deaths were recorded in Barangay Magcaalam.

More than 100 pigs owned by 48 farmers were culled in four sitios in the two barangays.

“Studies were initiated to determine how the disease got into piggeries in Magpet,” North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco said.

The provincial veterinary office, Department of Agriculture and Philippine National Police implemented disease control measures, such as the establishment of animal quarantine checkpoints, restriction of the movement of live pigs, pork and pork products and disinfection of vehicles going in and out of affected areas.

North Cotabato is the sixth province affected by ASF since the outbreak started in August 2019.

A total of 309,387 pigs have been killed due to the swine disease.

Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, La Union,Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental have existing ASF cases. John Unson