Cebu City moves to contain ASF in 3 upland barangays

Local

THE Cebu City government is intensifying its response to African swine fever (ASF) after infections were reported in three upland barangays, with authorities preparing to remove more than 50 pigs and expanding surveillance to determine the extent of the outbreak.

Kenneth Siasar, chief of staff of Mayor Nestor Archival, said during a press briefing Monday, Sept. 21, that the city is working with the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) and other concerned offices to contain ASF in Toong, Buhisan and Pamutan.

Based on the latest DVMF report, seven pigs had died as of Sunday, Sept. 20. This was in addition to 14 deaths recorded earlier this month.

More than 50 pigs in the affected areas have also been identified for removal or depopulation as part of the containment measures.

Siasar clarified that the city's reference to “culling” does not mean all of the more than 50 pigs have died. Rather, it covers animals that need to be removed or separated because they are in affected or high-risk areas.

The outbreak poses challenges for backyard and small-scale hog raisers, who could lose livestock and face restrictions on transporting animals as authorities work to prevent further transmission.

Surveillance and movement controls

The city is conducting disease surveillance in the three barangays to establish the extent of infection and trace possible sources of transmission.

Authorities are also checking possible pig movements from other municipalities, including Consolacion and Liloan.

Testing is being conducted within a 500-meter radius of affected areas, while police personnel are assisting in enforcing movement restrictions, particularly in locations where pigs cannot yet be removed.

The city is also coordinating with the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) for equipment needed to dispose of dead pigs safely.

Aid for affected raisers

Affected hog raisers may qualify for indemnification under Department of Agriculture (DA) guidelines, although the amount varies according to the animal's age, weight and classification.

The rates cited during the briefing include P4,000 for pigs aged 21 to 90 days, P8,000 for hogs weighing 25 to 70 kilograms and P12,000 for sows.

However, the regular indemnification program covers only registered animals, leaving some affected raisers without assistance.

The city is exploring other options, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, as well as alternative livelihood support.

Some residents have already received cockerels, while ready-to-lay chickens have also been distributed with assistance from private companies.(MyTVCebu)