AKLAN – Ten towns in this province are still classified as red zones for the deadly African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI).
Hog farms in Kalibo, Altavas, Makato, Batan, Tangalan, Lezo, Ibajay, Numancia, Malay, and Nabas towns remain infected based on DA-BAI’s National ASF Prevention and Control Report as of May 31, 2024.
Red (infected) zone includes municipalities or cities with confirmed outbreaks of ASF cases in domestic and wild pigs in affected farms in one barangay and spreading to other barangays of the same municipality occurring within 15 days.
The municipalities of Buruanga, New Washington, Madalag, Balete, Libacao, Malinao, and Banga are classified as pink zones or ASF-free.
DA-BAI data also showed that three towns in Antique, 15 in Capiz, 14 in Iloilo, and eight in Negros Occidental are under the red zone.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality. ASF is a different disease to swine flu. The virus does not affect people and there is no impact on human health.
DA confirmed the first ASF outbreak in July 2019. Since the first detection, ASF outbreaks have occurred in 73 of the country’s 82 provinces./PN
