Barangay Puzon in Rosario, La Union logged the first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Region 1 for 2024, which prompted the local government to cull at least 182 pigs within a 500-meter radius from ground zero. 

Ground zero also covers Barangay Tay-ac and Nangcamotian.

"Ang isang issue kasi natin dyan, kung nag-selective culling tayo, baka itong mga healthy pa na mga baboy na nakikita natin na walang symptoms ng ASD, baka ilabas nila sa area kaya yun pa yung isang source na impeksyon sa other barangay or other municipalities," Dr. Alfiero Banaag, the Regional ASF Coordinator for DA Region 1, said.

The forced culling affected 15 hog raisers.

To prevent further transmission, only marketable-sized and healthy pigs certified by the barangay from outside the 500-meter radius are allowed to be slaughtered at the local government unit's slaughterhouse and subsequently consumed.

"Locally produced muna ang ike-cater nila [sa Rosario] na mga baboy," Banaag said.

The National ASF Prevention and Control Program reported that 29 towns and cities in Region 1 remain affected by ASF.

The towns classified as red zones are as follows:

ILOCOS SUR:
Banayoyo
Bantay
Burgos
Candon City
Cervantes
Galimuyod
Gregorio Del Pilar
Lidlidda
Quirino
Salcedo
San Emilio
Santa
Santa Lucia
Sigay
Tagudin

LA UNION:
Aringay
Bauang
Naguilan
Rosario
San Fernando City
San Gabriel
San Juan

PANGASINAN:
Alaminos City
Anda
Bolinao
Mangatarem
Santa Barbara
Sual
Urbiztondo

Despite the ASF threat, the Department of Agriculture assures an ample supply of pork in Region 1.