Oton, Iloilo now a red zone due to African swine fever

The municipality of Oton in Iloilo was declared a red zone after some hogs tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. issued Executive Order No. 460 prohibiting the exit from the red zone of live hogs and pork products including frozen and fresh pork products for 10 days starting October 17, according to a report by GMA Regional TV Live host Nikko Sereno on Unang Balita on Tuesday, based on a report of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas.

The EO however does not cover canned goods.

The ASF Task Force has started depopulating the hog population in the red zone to prevent the further spread of the disease.

According to the barangay chairman, at least 300 hogs from commercial and backyard farms and piggeries were included in the depopulation activity over the weekend.

From the 500-meter radius of the red zone, quarantine measures were extended in four other barangays.

Hog raisers meanwhile expressed concern on the effect on their livelihood of the ASF.

"Talo talaga ako ngayon. Back to zero naman. Parang ayoko nang bumalik. Nawalan na ako ng gana," Japhet Golanes, a hog raiser, said.

(I suffered losses. Back to zero again. I don't think I'll go back [to piggery]. I lost the drive.)

"Para sana sa tuition ng bata. Kung aasa ka lang sa pagsasaka talo ka. 'Yung inutang mo wala na," Isidro Montealto, another hog raiser, said.

([I went into raising hogs to] provide tuition for the children. If you will just do farming, you won't earn. Your loan proceeds will be gone.)

Towns near Oton placed border control points. Other local government units were also on the alert to ensure that no live hogs or pork products from the red zone will reach their areas. —KG, GMA News