• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Hogs in Negros Occidental remain free of African swine fever (ASF).
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana reported on Tuesday that blood samples taken from hogs in every district of the province have tested negative for ASF.
Lemana, who welcomed the positive result, also acknowledged the vigilance of para- veterinarians deployed in the barangay level, who have helped in the prevention of ASF and other swine diseases.
In 2023, ASF and hog cholera caused serious damage to the hog industry in Negros Occidental, resulting in the deaths of more than 18,000 hogs in the province and Bacolod City, with the value of the damage estimated at almost P200 million.*
