The provincial government of Negros Occidental has undertaken “massive surveillance” of hogs in the province after at least two pigs died after seen with rashes.

Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Placeda Lemana, said pigs in different localities, including those that died, showed similar symptoms.

“So far, wala pa namang sample na isinumete ang LGUs. Sa tingin namin, ang mga sakit kasi, pare-pareho ang signs and symptoms. Kaya nga ngayon, nagka-conduct kami ng massive surveillance,” she said.

The two pigs that died were raised in the town of San Enrique. Hog raiser Juvie Belmonte said the pigs lost appetite and stopped eating until they died.

The pigs were buried immediately.

“Sabi ng nagbabantay ng baboy ko, wala raw ganang kumain. Nakita ko, maraming pasa ang baboy, may mga rashes. Pinainom ko ng antibiotic, wala talaga,” she said.

Another hog raiser, Reynaldo Delliosa, a resident of Talisay City, said they make sure they take care of their hogs so they won’t contract diseases, including the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Among the symptoms of ASF are sudden high fever, red or purple blotchy skin, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

“Inaalagaan ng mabuti, pinapaliguan, nilinisan ang kulungan para hindi makakuha ng bacteria,” he said.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the deaths are an isolated case.

“There are cases of mortality. So far, we can attribute it to weather conditions. But in this case, very isolated case in different areas. We’re closely monitoring this,” he said.