New ASF outbreaks seen in 6 provinces, says Agriculture Dept.

The Philippines continues to see outbreaks of the African swine fever (ASF) as the hog disease was detected in at least six new provinces, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said new outbreaks were monitored in the the provinces of Albay, Laguna, Quirino, Batangas, Quezon, and Cavite.

Data from the DA as of July 31 showed a total of 316,637 animals were culled in 28 provinces, nine regions, 262 cities and municipalities, and 1,119 barangays.

“Ang mga kawani ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka ay nandiyan in partnership with the local government units na nag-iimplement ng elevated quarantine measures,” Dar said.

To contain the ASF spread, the government has implemented strict movement protocols of pork products and live swines as well as impose surveillance, containment, quarantine, and culling in areas monitored with the disease.

To help affected hog raisers, the Agriculture chief said the DA is giving P5,000 compensation per each pig surrendered for culling.

Due to the ASF problem, the DA earlier said it is expecting a 31-day shortage of pork supply after the end of 2020.

Authorities have earlier said that ASF is not contagious to humans. — RSJ, GMA News