ASF cases drop to 39 barangays in 8 regions

The number of barangays with active cases of African swine fever (ASF) decreased significantly by the end of February and further dropped to 39 from 68, as reported by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry on Tuesday.

Red zones are now present in eight regions including CAR, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central Visayas, and Caraga; with most affected barangays having only one case.

Central Visayas remains the majority region for active cases, particularly in Bohol, while Catanduanes' capital town Virac recorded eight affected barangays; other areas logged fewer than five cases.

New cases were also reported in Batangas where government-controlled vaccination against ASF was first implemented, including Ibaan, Lemery, and Lipa City.

The Department of Agriculture attributed the significant decline to stringent border measures, ongoing vaccinations, and the nearing summer season.