BACOLOD CITY — Four cases of African swine fever have been confirmed in Barangay Alijis and Taculing, triggering immediate containment measures and strict rules covering all live pigs and pork moving in or out of the city.
City Veterinarian Dr. Maria Agueda dela Torre announced that the positive cases are two positive samples from Bangga Riles in Alijis and another two from Purok 5 in Taculing.
Earlier reports noted two hog deaths in Alijis and eight in Taculing.
Affected areas have already been cordoned off and placed under tight quarantine to stop further spread.
Mayor Greg Gasataya directed full operation of border checkpoints and movement controls.
Surveillance and testing are expanded to separate healthy herds from exposed or infected animals.
The city procured five boxes of test kits worth P425,000 to support systematic monitoring, Gasataya said.
Random sampling began on Thursday, July 2, at the city slaughterhouse, starting with five hogs showing no visible symptoms.
Records show that there are more than 5,000 heads raised by around 430 backyard raisers in Bacolod.
Barangay officials and raisers are urged to report unusual sickness or sudden mortality immediately.
Transport remains permitted but strictly regulated:
– Outgoing: Veterinary Health Certificate stating animals appear healthy, shipping permit, handler’s license, vehicle transport permit; Certificate of Acceptance may also be required depending on destination
– Incoming: ASF free certification, Veterinary Health Certificate, and permit only for accredited transport vehicles. Any shipment lacking complete papers will be returned right away
The city government is also assessing possible assistance for affected raisers, drawing lessons and guidelines from earlier aid distributions, the mayor said.
Gasataya assured the public that response measures are coordinated to reduce losses and maintain safe, steady pork supply.