In a determined effort to curb the spread of African swine fever (ASF), the Northern Samar provincial government has ramped up its preventive measures following the confirmation of 14 cases across three towns. The initiative includes intensified field surveillance in areas reporting unusual hog deaths, as stated by Provincial Agriculture Officer Jose Luis Acompañado during a recent phone interview. Acompañado emphasized that these actions are integral to a comprehensive strategy aimed at containing outbreaks and providing timely, science-driven support to local farmers.
The confirmed cases are distributed as follows: nine in Las Navas, three in Catubig, and two in Laoang. To bolster their response, the provincial government is working closely with the Bureau of Animal Industry to improve laboratory testing, enhance rapid response capabilities, and streamline data-sharing processes. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining readiness against potential ASF outbreaks.
Local ASF monitoring teams have been instructed to stay alert and respond promptly to any new cases. Acompañado stressed the importance of community involvement, noting that the effectiveness of these efforts depends significantly on the cooperation of local hog farmers, municipal officials, and other stakeholders in reporting cases quickly and following strict biosecurity protocols.
In response to the outbreak, Governor Edwin Ongchuan issued Executive Order No. 25-02-01 on February 10, which bans the movement of live pigs and pork products in the affected towns for at least a month. The order also requires the setup of quarantine checkpoints at the borders of Las Navas, Catubig, and Laoang to prevent further spread of the disease.
ASF is a devastating disease for the swine industry, with a mortality rate of 100 percent in infected hogs. The Northern Samar government’s proactive measures reflect a strong commitment to managing and eventually eradicating this threat.