Palawan has confirmed its first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Barangay Concepcion, Agutaya, prompting the provincial government to strengthen quarantine and containment measures to prevent the virus from spreading to other areas.
Laboratory tests by the Bureau of Animal Industry detected ASF in 40 samples collected from Concepcion. Authorities have since intensified monitoring and movement controls across Agutaya.
Quarantine Measures Rolled Out
Quarantine checkpoints have been established across Agutaya to regulate the movement of people, animals, and materials that could carry the virus.
The Provincial ASF Task Force met on September 25 to assess the situation and approve additional response measures. This included a three-day depopulation operation from September 28 to 30 targeting remaining pigs in the affected barangay to help break the chain of infection.
The Department of Agriculture-MIMAROPA is assisting the province by providing disinfectants, rapid test kits, technical guidance and protocols covering depopulation, indemnification, movement control, biosecurity, and disease surveillance.
Authorities Monitor for More Cases
Active surveillance is also underway in other parts of Agutaya through field investigations, sample collection and monitoring for unusual illness or deaths among pigs.
The provincial government is documenting losses among affected hog raisers and assessing their needs while coordinating with local officials and concerned agencies on possible assistance.
Information campaigns are also being strengthened to remind hog raisers and residents to limit pig movements, disinfect equipment and footwear, and immediately report unusual deaths.
Hog Raisers Urged to Strengthen Biosecurity
Swine owners have been advised not to transport, sell, or slaughter pigs showing possible ASF symptoms. The public has also been warned against distributing meat from potentially infected pigs or disposing of carcasses without guidance from veterinary authorities.
Officials emphasized that ASF does not infect humans, but the virus can spread through contaminated pork, equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other materials.
Residents are urged to cooperate with quarantine personnel when entering or leaving Agutaya.
“Muli po, hinihikayat natin ang ating mga hog raiser na agad makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal o Provincial Veterinary Office, o Agricultural Extension Worker kapag nakapansin ng biglaang pagkakasakit o pagkamatay ng kanilang mga alagang baboy,” said DA-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Christopher R. Bañas.
Bañas also called on hog raisers to strengthen biosecurity in their farms and follow regulations on the movement of pigs and meat products to help prevent further transmission of ASF.
