Batangas declares state of calamity over African Swine Fever

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas declared a state of calamity on Monday due to the increasing cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the province.

This decision follows recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by Governor Hermilando Mandanas, enabling the use of calamity funds to assist local hog raisers.

As of August 9, ASF has affected seven towns in Batangas, with Lobo declaring a state of calamity after 17 out of its 26 barangays reported positive cases; Calatagan and Lian also declared states of calamity on the same day.

The Department of Agriculture reports that 40 barangays across Lipa City and seven towns have been affected by ASF, with authorities in Lobo reporting over 8,818 pigs died due to the outbreak.

While waiting for the arrival of 10,000 doses of ASF vaccines expected in the third week of August, farmers are advised to strictly implement biosecurity measures to protect their hogs from infections.