The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said yesterday hogs from trucks intercepted in Valenzuela City last Saturday tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).
BAI said 11 hogs showed clinical signs of ASF infection even before blood tests were conducted. Laboratory results testing were released on Sunday.
The agency said the infected hogs were condemned and buried in a central burial site as part of the disease containment measures.
BAI intercepted the two trucks in livestock checkpoints in Quezon City and Valenzuela City over the weekend.
BAI said a total of 38 hogs carried by another truck tested negative for ASF and were allowed to be slaughtered immediately.
The government has heightened surveillance efforts to stop the transport of sick animals by setting up checkpoints in the northern and southern parts of the National Capital Region as disease control measures.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica said animals showing any signs of illness will undergo testing.
The DA appealed to hog traders and transporters to comply with regulations to avoid further spread of ASF and protect the country’s swine industry.
