DA says new ASF cases recorded in Mindoro

The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry on Monday confirmed new cases of African swine fever in three towns in Mindoro, days after the reported death of pigs in the province. 

In a press release, the BAI said it has detected a recurrence of positive cases in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, prompting authorities to place the town under tight monitoring and limiting the movement of hogs within various areas. 

The BAI confirmed the new cases on January 12, 2024. 

According to DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa, the blood samples sent earlier this month to BAI had confirmed seven ASF cases in San Jose, five in Sta. Cruz, and two cases in Rizal—all in Occidental Mindoro—as of January 17.

To recall, ASF cases were first detected in Oriental Mindoro late last year. The pig production in the Oriental Mindoro towns of Naujan and Calapan are being strictly monitored due to previous ASF cases.

Meanwhile, the town of Baco is also being monitored for the virus.

The DA is awaiting requests from local government units to activate additional surveillance groups and from affected farmers for the indemnification of slaughtered hogs. — BM, GMA Integrated News