Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday reported that cases of African swine fever (ASF) are significantly lower compared to the same period in 2024 despite a slight uptick this month. As of Aug. 7, ASF-affected villages rose to 51 from 28 on July 11, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa noted in a press briefing that most of the ASF cases last year also occurred in August. However, he emphasized that the current figures are significantly lower than those for the same period last year. In 2024, the DA recorded an ASF resurgence in the third quarter, with initial cases emerging in Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, and Lipa City in Batangas.
De Mesa stated that a resurgence this year may be unlikely due to the rollout of government-controlled vaccination and stricter border measures. He highlighted that the areas currently affected are not the same as those impacted last year. Most of the affected communities this year are in Bohol, with other affected villages in the Cordillera, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Eastern Visayas regions.
