BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Veterinary Office (CVO) has intensified monitoring and random blood sampling of hogs delivered to the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan after detecting its first African Swine Fever (ASF)-positive hog through routine surveillance.
Assistant City Veterinarian Janine Sarthou said the infected hog was among 20 blood samples randomly collected on June 30, even though the animal showed no clinical signs or symptoms of ASF.
The blood sample was submitted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 6 for laboratory examination on July 9. The city received the confirmatory test result on July 13, which showed the sample was positive for ASF.
Authorities have yet to determine where the infected hog originated. Sarthou said the CVO has launched a backtracking investigation to identify the farm or source of the animal.
She said the office continues to conduct regular monitoring and random blood sampling of hogs entering the slaughterhouse to prevent ASF-infected animals from reaching the local meat supply chain.
CVO records showed that of the 20 blood samples collected during the June 30 surveillance from areas with confirmed ASF cases, only one tested positive for the disease.
Sarthou also acknowledged the difficulties encountered by the veterinary team in conducting surveillance within a 50-meter radius of confirmed ASF cases, noting that some backyard hog raisers remain reluctant to cooperate because they mistakenly believe veterinary personnel could spread the virus.
She clarified that CVO personnel strictly observe biosecurity protocols, including disinfecting equipment and vehicles and changing personal protective equipment (PPE) before moving to another area.
“We are not carriers of ASF. We strictly observe disinfection and biosecurity measures during every operation,” Sarthou said, stressing the need for sustained information campaigns to improve farmers’ understanding of the disease and the city’s containment efforts.
Based on CVO records, Bacolod City now has five confirmed ASF cases—two each in Barangays Taculing and Alijis, and the latest case involving a hog brought to the city slaughterhouse.
The CVO said it will continue its backtracking investigation while maintaining heightened surveillance to prevent further spread of ASF./PN
