Dead pigs washed ashore in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro

While the country grapples with supply side problems as the African Swine Fever (ASF) decimated the hog population, which caused pork prices to jack up, pig carcasses were found washed up on Naujan town’s beach in Oriental Mindoro.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, Naujan Mayor Mark Marcos said the dead pigs were found floating near the shore of Barangay Estrella around noon of January 25, 2021.

Marcos said five pig carcasses found were immediately disinfected and buried.

The Naujan mayor added that samples were taken from the carcasses and submitted to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory to ascertain whether or not the pigs are positive for ASF.

“Hinihinala na itinapon ng mga dumadaan na barko kasi ilang araw sa karatig bayan may tatlong baboy na palutang lutang,” Marcos said.

In a Facebook post, the Oriental Mindoro PISD said that dead pigs were also found near the shore of Pola town but tested negative for ASF.

“Dahil dito, kaagad namang inatasan ni Governor Bonz Dolor ang PROVET (Provincial Veterinary Office) na magbigay ito ng technical assistance para sa mga kinakailangang gawing hakbang sa pagsasaayos ng mga patay na baboy,” it said.

Marcos, meanwhile, said Naujan is ASF-free due to strict rules of not allowing processed meat to be imported in the province.

In a separate interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the Department of Agriculture regional director for MIMAROPA has already been tasked to investigate the incident and coordinate with the local government of Naujan. —KG, GMA News