• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Three local government units in Negros Occidental previously affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) have been upgraded to “pink zones” by the Department of Agriculture.
The formerly ASF red (infected) zones that were turned into “pink zones” are the towns of Pulupandan and Hinigaran, as well as Silay City.
They may now be classified as ASF-free, according to the Provincial Veterinarian Office.
It will also signal the start of the “sentineling program,” where sentinel hogs undergo a 40-day observation program.
Provincial Veterinarian Placeda Lemana said they may also apply recognition for active surveillance, which is a requirement for shipment of hogs outside the province.
In yellow zones, the DA allows hogs repopulation by breeders.
Other LGUs in Negros Occidental hit by ASF were the cities of Escalante, Kabankalan, La Castellana, San Carlos, Valladolid, and Victorias.
Hog fatalities due to ASF and other swine diseases last year in Negros Occidental reached 17,801, representing 9.96 percent of the total hog population in the province.
The hog industry has incurred losses worth P200 million, affecting at least 3,536 hog raisers in 153 barangays in 20 towns and cities.*
