Ilocos Region: Some areas in the Ilocos Region affected by African swine fever (ASF) are preparing to shift to a lower zoning category after not recording any new cases within the last four months. There have been no new cases in some localities under red zones, which are areas with positive cases, since February this year. These areas are now working on their clearances for the shift to a yellow zone, as stated by Dr. Alfredo Banaag, DA 1 (Ilocos Region) regulatory division chief and ASF focal person, in an interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, after 90 days of no new recorded cases, pigs in these areas will be tested. If the results are negative, the local government will comply with documentary requirements, which will be submitted to the provincial level. The provincial level will then submit it to the regional level, and finally to the Bureau of Animal Industry, which decides the zoning categorization. Currently, 18 localities in Ilocos Sur are still under red zone, while there are eight in La Union, seven in Ilocos Norte, and two in Pangasinan.

Banaag mentioned that biosecurity measures are still enforced in these areas, including those under yellow zones, although some areas have lifted the ban on pork and pork products. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has released approximately PHP3.8 million as indemnification for 57 hog raisers from 17 villages in La Union whose livestock were affected by the ASF virus in the last quarter of 2024.

Affected hog raisers received indemnification of PHP4,000 per head for piglets, PHP8,000 per head for growers and fatteners, and PHP12,000 per head for breeders, with a maximum claim of up to 20 heads per grower. Banaag stated that the second batch consists of 718 hog raisers from 135 villages in La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, who will receive a total of PHP40.5 million for 5,341 culled pigs.

The third batch includes 148 hog raisers from 21 villages in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte, who will receive PHP6.98 million for 875 culled pigs. Banaag advised hog raisers to sell marketable size pigs with the onset of the rainy season, which presents a high risk for ASF virus infection.