BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Hogs in Negros Occidental remain free of African swine fever (ASF).
The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Western Visayas office said all blood samples taken from hogs in the province tested negative for ASF.
DA regional director Jose Albert Barrogo stressed the need for more tests and joint surveillance operations to prevent the spread of ASF and other swine diseases.
The provincial veterinary office said 2,421 pigs died of hog cholera in Bago and Carlota cities and in San Enrique, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, EB Magalona, Hinigaran and Manapla towns in the past several weeks.
Up to 546 hog raisers in 57 barangays were affected.
Bago Mayor Nicholas Yulo said clusters of hog deaths were recorded in his city.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said hog deaths were reported in five barangays in his city even as samples tested negative for ASF.
Hog cholera and ASF have similar symptoms, according to provincial veterinarian Placeda Lemana.
Provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz said an incident management team has been activated under an executive order issued by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to lead the campaign against ASF and other swine diseases as well as formulate a plan of action to be implemented by local government units.