Philippines: ASF spreads to new province
Palawan province is no longer free of African swine fever (ASF) after an outbreak of the disease was confirmed on Cocoro Island.
Palawan province is no longer free of African swine fever (ASF) after an outbreak of the disease has been confirmed in piggeries in Cocoro Island, a barangay in the municipality of Magsaysay.
Dr. Darius Mangcucang, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), said that Cocoro has recorded approximately 300 swine mortalities as a result of ASF.
The provincial veterinarian noted that because all domestic pigs on the island have already succumbed to ASF, his office is working closely with Magsaysay municipal authorities to keep the disease contained in the areas of the outbreak to prevent the disease from spreading to other towns in Palawan.
The PVO, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local municipal authorities, has also established checkpoints in all entry areas to Magsaysay as part of the measures to contain the virus.
He said they would also conduct continuous monitoring, gathering of blood samples, and quarantine assessments.