Dumaguete: Four additional local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental are set to upgrade to the African swine fever (ASF) 'pink zone', enabling them to transport pigs to other provinces, as announced by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).

According to Philippines News Agency, PVO information officer Jaymar Vilos disclosed that the municipalities of Amlan, Tanjay City, Dauin, and Zamboanguita are in the final stages of fulfilling the necessary requirements to upgrade their ASF zone status. The 'pink zone' is a designated buffer area with no recorded ASF cases, which necessitates the implementation of stringent biosecurity and surveillance measures to prevent potential outbreaks.

This development raises the total count of LGUs that have successfully upgraded their buffer zone status to seven. Additionally, three other LGUs-Valencia, Manjuyod, and Bais City-have been elevated to the 'yellow zone' (surveillance). However, Bais City is still required to meet some additional criteria.

Vilos encouraged the remaining LGUs to pursue an upgrade to capitalize on government incentives, such as indemnification for culled hogs and the National Livestock Program's repopulation grant. He noted that hog farmers' associations in upgraded LGUs would benefit from farm stocks and inputs to rejuvenate their livelihoods, mentioning that Amlan has recently received the repopulation grant.

Vilos speculated that some LGUs might be hesitant to apply for an upgrade due to the demanding requirements or because they are satisfied with selling their hogs or pork locally without seeking markets outside the province.