A culling operation was implemented in several piggeries in Manabo, Abra as over 200 pigs were affected by suspected African Swine Fever (ASF).

Blood samples were taken for confirmatory tests by the Bureau of Animal Industry before the pigs were buried.

Local officials reported more than 200 pigs died within a week from seven barangays in the town.

"Lahat ng sintomas ng ASF ay nakita namin sa mga namatay na baboy. Tulad ng namumulang ilong, tenga at tiyan. Abortion, stillbirth at mga respiratory symptoms na agad-agad namamatay," Eugene Bobiles, Municipal Agriculturist, Manabo, Abra, said.

Authorities continue to determine the source of infection, as of this writing. 

"Kung meron sanang maitutulong ang Department of Agriculture, tulungan kami. I-assess nila kami kung ano ang dapat gawin para maka-recover kami," Solmar Castro, a hog raiser, said.

Mayor Darrel Domasing issued an executive order stopping the slaughtering and sale of pork in the town temporarily.

Movement of pigs and processed pork products is also restricted through a hog quarantine checkpoint.

Manabo is considering declaring a state of calamity.