Iloilo: The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian has confirmed the first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Iloilo for the year 2026. The case was detected in a backyard farm in Barotac Viejo, where a sow and four pigs tested positive for the disease.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada reported that a response team was dispatched immediately after receiving laboratory results from the Department of Agriculture's Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Western Visayas. The case in Barotac Viejo marks the first confirmed ASF case for the province this year. Upon the team's arrival, they confirmed that the infected animals had already been properly disposed of and that the area had undergone thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Dr. Tabuada noted that, based on monitoring in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office, there are no suspected cases in the surrounding community, labeling it as an isolated incident. He praised the farmer for adhering to veterinary protocols, including the proper disposal of infected animals. The provincial government is in the process of reclassifying Barotac Viejo from a red (infected) zone to a pink (buffer) zone to confirm that the area is free of additional cases.

Dr. Tabuada urged hog raisers, particularly backyard farmers, to implement Level 1 biosecurity measures. These measures include installing perimeter fences, maintaining footbaths, restricting the movement of people in and out of farms, and avoiding swill feeding. He emphasized that ASF has not been eliminated in Iloilo province, as evidenced by 28 positive cases recorded in 2025, with 26 cases detected at border checkpoints and two traced to a stockyard in Pavia.

The province plans to strengthen existing protocols in response to ASF cases reported in other provinces within Western Visayas. The focus will be on enforcing biosecurity measures in both backyard and commercial farms. Local government units, farmers, and slaughterhouse operators are also being urged to ensure that all documentary requirements are complete when transporting hogs. Required documents include a veterinary or animal health certificate, a disinfection certificate for the transport vehicle, and a local transport permit.

Dr. Tabuada encouraged farmers not to panic but to strengthen biosecurity and adopt safer swine-raising practices.