DA tightens biosecurity for ASF in Cotabato, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has implemented stricter biosecurity measures in response to the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) cases in Cotabato and its spread to parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya.

Roberto Perales, DA Soccsksargen regional director, confirmed that Cotabato remains the only area with ASF cases within the Soccsksargen region, while local officials in the northern provinces have set up checkpoints to contain the virus.

Veterinary officials advise hog raisers to limit access to their farms and avoid entry of contaminated clothing and footwear to prevent further spread of the disease; at least 124 pigs have been culled across affected areas with estimated losses amounting to PHP 50 million in Cotabato since 2019.

Local government units such as Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur continue to urge residents to report any incidents of pig deaths immediately, while Magsaysay town has imposed stricter policies on the entry of live hogs and meat products.

The Regional African Swine Fever Task Force in Cagayan Valley has culled at least 124 pigs across affected towns including Sta. Fe, Dupax Del Norte, Dupax Del Sur, Bambang, Angadanan, San Guillermo, Enrile, and Iguig.