At least three barangays in Sogod, Southern Leyte have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), prompting the local government to step up measures to combat the spread of the virus.
According to Julito Abihay, officer-in-charge of the Sogod municipal agricultural services office (MASO), affected areas included the barangays of Dagsa, Magatas and Hibod-hibod.
Abihay said authorities have tightened quarantine and movement control measures for hogs and pork meat in these three barangays, as well as in the barangays of Pandan and Olisihan.
“There is a pork holiday in these five barangays for 15 days since January 16. This aims to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the livelihood of local hog raisers,” Abihay told reporters.
The first confirmed ASF cases were reported in the second week of January following laboratory tests that returned positive results on hog samples taken from Barangay Hibod-Hibod.
After receiving the laboratory results, Abihay said the LGU immediately implemented quarantine and movement control measures, strengthened biosecurity protocols, and intensified coordination with the MASO and the Department of Agriculture for continuous monitoring and containment of ASF.
ASF cases were also recorded in Barangay Magatas and Barangay Dagsa.
“Residents are advised to immediately report sick or dead pigs to the Sogod local government or the MASO to prevent the further spread of the disease,” Abihay said.
(With report from PNA)
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