Number of ASF-hit barangays rising again

MANILA, Philippines — The number of barangays which recorded active African swine fever (ASF) cases has increased again, latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) show.

In a virtual press briefing yesterday, BAI director Reildrin Morales said hogs in 41 barangays in 29 towns and cities were affected by the swine disease as of Sept. 10.

On Sept. 2, the BAI reported that ASF-hit barangays were down to 24.

Morales said most of the active ASF cases are in Ilocos provinces.

Data from the BAI show that 14 barangays in Ilocos Sur and seven in Ilocos Norte were among the areas that recorded new ASF cases.

Hogs in five barangays in Cagayan, four in Misamis Oriental as well as in certain barangays in Agusan del Sur, La Union, Ifugao, Quirino, Rizal, Laguna, Southern Leyte, Samar and Eastern Samar are the other areas with active cases of the swine disease.

At least 3,058 barangays in 600 towns and cities in 50 provinces across the country have been affected by ASF since 2019.

Morales said the BAI is waiting for the analysis of the results of the trials it conducted for two potential ASF vaccines.

In April, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the BAI is collaborating with an unidentified US company and global animal healthcare company Zoetis for vaccine trials.

ASF vaccine trials will be conducted and monitored by the DA-BAI personnel and veterinarians for 84 days in line with the protocols set by the government technical working group, the vaccine manufacturer and Zoetis Philippines Inc.

Morales said two vaccine prototypes were tested in eight farms in the country.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar had earlier said evaluation and testing are expected to be completed within the year.