Three NegOcc LGUs upgraded to ASF ‘pink zones’

BACOLOD City – Three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) were downgraded to “pink zone” from “red zone.”

These are Hinigaran and Pulupandan towns and Silay City, according to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said.

Pink zone serves as buffer, where no ASF infections are present although these towns are adjacent to an infected zone.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said the reclassification also signals the start of a sentineling program, where sentinel hogs have to undergo a 40-day observation program, which will pave the way for the recovery of the province’s P6-billion hog industry from ASF.

The downgrade is also seen as a positive development that will enable the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to continue its coverage for hog raisers affected by the swine disease.

Meanwhile, six LGUs remain under red zone: cities of Escalante, Kabankalan, San Carlos, and Victorias, as well as the towns of Valladolid and La Castellana. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN