Ilocos Norte remains ASF-free

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — Only Ilocos Norte remains free of African swine fever (ASF) in Ilocos region.

Florentino Adame, Department of Agriculture regional regulatory division chief, said Pangasinan is the most affected, with hogs in 31areas hit by the swine flu virus.

Adame said backyard hog raisers were most affected, with more than 16,000 pigs culled.

He said hogs in six towns in La Union and one in Ilocos Sur were also hit by ASF.

“ASF is like the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in humans because up to now there is no vaccine yet to control its spread,” Adame said.

He said concerned local government units in coordination with provincial veterinarians are conducting surveillance of affected hogs.