Nearly 120 pigs were culled in Barangay San Ramon, Bula, Camarines Sur, after 20 local government units in Bicol were reported to have active cases of African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Municipal Agriculture's Office of Bula carried out the depopulation to prevent further spread.
The following are areas in Bicol with active ASF cases, as of April 16, 2024:
- Albay: Camalig
- Camarines Norte: Capalonga, Paracale, Labo, Basud, Daet, Mercedes, San Vicente, Talisay
- Camarines Sur: Del Gallego, Ragay, Libmanan, Camaligan, Bula, San Fernando
- Masbate: San Jacinto, Milagros, Mobo
- Sorsogon: Donsol, Sta. Magdalena
Transportation of live pigs from areas with ASF cases is strictly regulated.
“Yung may mga kaso na ASF na mga munisipyo, hindi sila pwedeng maglabas ng mga live na baboy o mga karne sa munisipyo nila dahil dapat dun lang within the municipality lang,” Lovella Guarin, Spokesperson for DA Bicol, said.
Guarin added that hog raisers should adhere strictly to biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of the ASF virus.
Affected hog raisers may file indemnity claims of P5,000 per pig culled during depopulation.
Benjamin Jornala, who owns a pig farm in Barangay San Roque, Bula, faced the challenge of the ASF virus; which could result in years of wasted effort and resources.
“Nahahandal man po ta mas malulugi [kita] kaiyan, pirang taon, pirang bulan na hinalat sayang man po kung madali kan virus,” Jornala said.
