ILOILO – Western Visayas recorded one of its most significant strides yet in African Swine Fever (ASF) containment. Forty-two cities and municipalities were formally upgraded from “red” (infected) to “pink” (buffer) zone status, based on a Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) advisory released on Nov. 28.
The reclassification — signed by BAI officer-in-charge director Christian Daguigan — signals a substantial decline in active ASF infections across the region and marks expanding areas where stricter controls have succeeded in preventing transmission to adjacent communities.
Under the memorandum, the following localities have shifted to the pink zone, which covers areas not experiencing ASF but situated next to infected zones:
* Aklan – Altavas, Batan, Libacao, Makato, Malay, Numancia, Tangalan
* Antique – Belison, Hamtic, Sibalom
* Capiz – Cuartero, Dao, Dumarao, Dumalag, Maayon, Mambusao, Pontevedra, President Roxas, Roxas City, Sigma, Tapaz
* Guimaras – Buenavista, Jordan
* Iloilo Province – Ajuy, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Concepcion, Dingle, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lambunao, Leganes, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga Iloilo City
The BAI also upgraded eight municipalities from pink to yellow (surveillance) zone — Banga, Balete, Buruanga, Madalag, Malinao, Nabas, and New Washington in Aklan, and San Jose de Buenavista in Antique — reflecting improved disease management and monitoring.
Despite these gains, 18 municipalities remain under the “red zone”:
* Aklan – Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo
* Capiz – Ivisan, Pan-ay, Panit-an, Pilar, Sapi-an
* Iloilo – Alimodian, Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Carles, Dueñas, Maasin, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Joaquin
The pink zone designation requires heightened surveillance to prevent overflow of ASF from infected areas, while yellow zones are ASF-free areas adjacent to buffer zones.
In contrast, red zones remain under strict movement restrictions for live pigs, pork and pork products (fresh or frozen), uncooked processed pork items, and swine genetic materials. Only cooked and canned pork products are exempt until the ban is officially lifted.
The new zoning adjustments highlight Western Visayas’ continued efforts to halt ASF transmission and restore stability to its swine industry./PN
