Iloilo Province has heightened its monitoring of pigs entering the province after confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were recorded in neighboring Capiz and Negros Occidental.

The Provincial Veterinarian said hogs that enter the province must have papers that prove they are not affected by ASF.

“Dapat mayroong shipping permit ang ating mga baboy, binibigyan ng veterinary certificate ng beterinaryo kung saan siya nanggaling na na-inspeksyon siya. Apparently, healthy ang hayop at nagmula sa ASF-free na lugar,” said Dr. Darel Tabuada, Provincial Veterinarian of Iloilo.

Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, checkpoints were established in the towns of San Enrique, Moises Padilla, and La Castellana after San Enrique logged confirmed ASF cases.

At least 500 pigs from 10 barangays died from ASF in San Enrique.

ASF infection was confirmed through laboratory testing of samples from the pigs that died.

“Bale i-consume nila, diyan manggagaling ang source. Ang atin, so far, is ang sa province, ang sa inter-provincial border ang ating mini-maintain,” said Dr. Ryan Janoya, head of the Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services of the Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinarian’s Office.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor  Eugenio Jose Lacson said protocols are in place to prevent the disease from spreading and affecting other pigs.

“Our protocol in addressing ASF is now being followed. If there is mortality, immediately bury, disinfect, put lime,” he said.

Several local governments have banned the entry of pork products and live hogs.