Negros oriental: African swine fever (ASF) cases continued to rise in Negros Oriental, with Bindoy as the latest municipality to detect the disease, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said Thursday. Acting PVO chief Vernon Lumbania highlighted that Bindoy is among three local government units (LGUs) in the province that are still experiencing active ASF cases.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lumbania reported that the LGUs with ongoing ASF cases are Bindoy, Pamplona, and Siaton, indicating a continued increase in the number of infections. Data from the PVO revealed that Siaton recorded 31 positive cases out of 34 samples, Amlan 24 of 55, Tanjay City 39 positive and five negative, and Bayawan City 32 positive and 46 negative out of 78 samples.

Pamplona reported 28 positive and five negative out of 33 samples, while Zamboanguita had six positive and 11 negative. Bindoy recorded five positive and five negative samples. Lumbania noted that except for the three areas categorized as active, the spread in other affected areas has been contained through enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent transmission to nearby barangays.

The LGUs that previously recorded ASF cases but have since tested negative include La Libertad, Dauin, Mabinay, Canlaon City, Santa Catalina, and Valencia. Blood samples from pigs in these areas have returned negative for ASF. Lumbania also mentioned that the culling of infected pigs in affected areas has already been scheduled.