BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Hogs in Negros Occidental have not been infected with African swine fever (ASF), according to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Given its ASF-free status, Lacson said even backyard hog raisers in the province now qualify as commercial growers.
“Our prompt and timely action in enacting an ASF prevention ordinance and the creation of an ASF task force to take the lead in the implementation and enforcement of our prevention and control measures contributed substantially to our success,” he said.
Being one of the major suppliers of swine products, especially in Metro Manila, Lacson stressed the need to remain vigilant.
He said spread of the swine disease would be “very hard to control” once cases are confirmed.
Lacson said the ASF task force is committed to ensure that no beef or pork products from areas considered as red or infected zones would enter the province.
Provincial veterinarian Renante Decena said Negros Occidental ranked fourth nationwide and sixth in Western Visayas in swine production.