Almost 900 pigs infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) were culled on an eco-farm at Brgy FVR, Norzagaray, Bulacan, Monday.
According to Agapito Pascual, municipal agriculturist, the owner of the farm has promised to complete burying the electrocuted pigs six feet deep in the ground. He said they now focus on the remaining four backyard raisers within a 1-kilometer radius.
Dennis Arceo, a staff of the municipal office, said Norzagaray Mayor Fred Germar immediately sent a group to investigate the area.
The group consists of Agriculture, MENRO, rural health unit, BPLO, and others related to the matter.
Also read: Facts about African Swine Fever
900 ASF infected pigs culled in Bulacan
When Germar learned that the pigs were dying, he immediately ordered that the farm be disinfected to eliminate odor and germs. They asked for a representative from the provincial government who quickly arrived and conducted blood testing.
The mayor also ordered a lockdown in place to prevent the ASF from spreading
Authorities continue to monitor farms and four backyard raisers that may be affected by the ASF as the local government is ready to assist with affected hog raisers.
The Philippines reported its first case African Swine Fever or ASF September last year.
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of pigs that can spread very rapidly in pig herds. Though humans are not susceptible to the African swine fever virus, government agencies warned the public of buying and eating double dead pork meat, which can cause food poisoning and other diseases.