Western Visayas, Central Visayas, BARMM still ASF-free

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental has tightened border control  to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), which is affecting more areas in the country.

Placeda Lemana, acting head of the provincial veterinary office, said Western Visayas, Central Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao remain free of the swine disease.

Lemana said ASF cases were recorded in 53 provinces, 704 cities and 3,382 towns in 14 regions.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson ordered the provincial veterinary office and the 31 cities and towns in Negros Occidental to ensure that the province remains ASF-free.

He said stricter border control should prevent the entry of hogs and related products from ASF-hit areas.

With this development, Lemana said there is a growing demand for pork from Negros Occidental.

“We are free to distribute in any parts of the country,” she said.

Lemana said supply of chicken in Negros Occidental is also sufficient.

Meat Association Inspection Service records show that Negros Occidental produces 1.6 million heads of chicken from accredited dressing plants, excluding backyard and non-accredited plants, which is equivalent to 70,000 to 75,000 per day.

Lemana said Negros Occidental, including this highly urbanized city, consumes 60,000 to 70,000 chickens per day, a surplus of about 5,000.