ASF cases in PH barangays down to 39

The number of barangays in the Philippines experiencing active cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) has dropped to 39 as of March 14, a significant reduction from a previous high of 500 in August last year.

These affected barangays are located across seven regions, with Western Visayas, particularly Bohol, still reporting the majority of cases.

The outbreak in Calabarzon, specifically in Sta. Maria, Laguna, has been addressed, and there are currently no ASF cases in Batangas.

The Department of Agriculture attributes the sharp decline to the active participation of stakeholders in control efforts, stringent border measures, ongoing government-controlled vaccination, and the nearing summer season.

Controlled vaccination against the virus has been proven successful, with a Bureau of Animal Industry report indicating that 28,000 of 160,000 vaccine doses were used during an immunization campaign involving 29 hog farmers.