Sogod: The local government unit here has tightened quarantine and movement control measures for hogs and pork meat after confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in three villages. Julito Abihay, officer-in-charge of the Sogod municipal agricultural services office (MASO), said the restriction is concentrated in the villages of Dagsa, Olisihan, Hibod-Hibod, Pandan, and Magatas.

According to Philippines News Agency, there is a pork holiday in these five barangays for 15 days starting January 16. This measure aims to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the livelihood of local hog raisers. The first confirmed ASF cases were reported in the second week of January following laboratory tests that returned positive results on hog samples taken from Barangay Hibod-Hibod.

After receiving the laboratory results, Abihay stated that the local government unit immediately implemented quarantine and movement control measures. They also strengthened biosecurity protocols and intensified coordination with the MASO and the Department of Agriculture for continuous monitoring and containment of ASF. ASF cases were also recorded in Barangay Magatas and Barangay Dagsa.

Residents are advised to immediately report sick or dead pigs to the Sogod local government or the MASO to prevent the further spread of the disease.