The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas reported new cases of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in two more towns in the region.
Officials of both La Paz and Javier towns in Leyte were instructed by regional agriculture officials to set up checkpoints and depopulate hogs and swine that are within the 500-meter radius.
“We would like to assure the public that the concerned local government units, together with the Regional ASF Task Force, will continue to institute proactive measures, such as strict enforcement of quarantine procedures, restriction of animal movement, disinfection, and clearing of affected areas,” DA Regional Director Angel Enriquez said.
He also advised farmers to cooperate and observe strict quarantine measures and immediately report to the nearest local veterinary or agriculture office any unusual deaths of pigs.
New cases were found in the barangays of Mag-aso and Luneta in La Paz as well as in the villages of Comatin, Caranhug, and Abuyogay in Javier.
The cities of Ormoc and Maasin have closed their borders to prevent the influx of pigs and other pork-related products infected with ASF.
Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan issued an executive order last Monday banning the entry of pigs coming from Leyte and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
The order is valid until March 19. Ronald dela Cruz