The Department of Agriculture (DA) has downgraded to 'pink' (buffer zone) from 'red' (infected) the African Swine Fever (ASF) category for Cagayan de Oro.

This means hog raisers can now continue raising pigs, according to the City Information Office.  

However, City Veterinarian Dr. Perla Asis said backyard hog raisers must still follow the protocols in order for the city to be declared ASF-free.

Among the guidelines provided under the ASF ordinance includes the prohibition to raise pigs without registering in the barangay, but only those who have complied with the biosecurity level 1 can register.

This means that the pigpens have been fenced, septic tanks were put in place, drainage system has been established, among other guidelines stipulated under the biosecurity level 1.

It can be recalled that around 1,100 backyard hog raisers were affected when the city was hit by ASF and 4,600 pigs were culled last 2021.

In that year, the city government released a total of P9 million indemnification fund for the affected farmers and hog raisers.