Manila: The Provincial Veterinary Office of Negros Oriental has reported the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) cases in three local government units, leading to the culling of infected and potentially exposed hogs. This development comes as authorities ramp up their surveillance and monitoring efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Melody Vilan announced new confirmed cases of ASF in Siaton, Amlan, and Tanjay City, all of which had previously battled infections. "We have culled the infected pigs and those exposed to them while continuing the collection of blood samples," Vilan stated.

In Siaton, laboratory results revealed that six of the eight blood samples collected tested positive for ASF, with the affected hogs located in Barangays Maloh and Tayak. Amlan reported 20 positive results out of 50 blood samples, coming from Barangays Bio-os, Silab, Jantianon, and Jugno. Tanjay City registered the highest number of confirmed cases, with 24 out of 27 samples testing positive, affecting multiple barangays including San Miguel, Sta. Cruz Nuevo, and others.

Dr. Vilan reported that 52 hogs were culled in Amlan, including 25 previously depopulated animals. In Tanjay City, 40 hogs were culled to contain the outbreak. In Siaton, the infected pigs had already perished before laboratory tests confirmed ASF presence. Disinfection measures have been applied in all impacted areas, and additional blood samples are being collected in Siaton as part of an intensified surveillance initiative.

While these areas are grappling with the outbreak, other regions have shown resilience. Recent blood samples from Sta. Catalina tested negative for ASF, joining La Libertad, Canlaon City, Mabinay, and Dauin, which also reported negative results from their respective samples.

Dr. Vilan has called on both backyard and commercial hog raisers to promptly report any unexplained pig deaths to local authorities. This will enable veterinary personnel to carry out necessary validation and sample collection for laboratory testing, a crucial step in preventing further ASF spread.