Business · Philippines Bureau
African swine fever confirmed in two Catanduanes municipalities
Provincial authorities in Catanduanes have moved to contain African swine fever after the virus was confirmed in samples from infected hogs. Officials have ordered the immediate isolation and culling of affected animals to prevent further spread of the disease.
LSN Philippines ·
LEGAZPI CITY — African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in two towns across Catanduanes province, triggering an urgent containment response from local and national agricultural authorities. The Department of Agriculture's Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the presence of ASF in samples collected from Barangay Hicming, marking a significant outbreak in the island province.
Provincial officials have issued directives for the immediate isolation of infected swine herds and the depopulation of affected animals in both municipalities. The move aims to create a firewall against further transmission of the highly contagious virus, which has devastated hog populations across the Philippines and region in recent years.
The confirmation comes as the country continues grappling with recurring ASF incursions in various provinces. The virus, which is lethal to pigs but poses no direct threat to humans, has caused substantial economic losses to local livestock operators and disrupted supply chains for pork producers nationwide.
Agricultural officials have urged hog farmers in the affected areas and nearby provinces to implement strict biosecurity measures, including limiting animal movement and enhancing farm sanitation protocols. The department has also activated surveillance operations to monitor for additional cases in surrounding barangays.