The number of recorded African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in Region One has surged to nearly 2,000, affecting local pig populations significantly.
Dr. Alfiero Banaag, Chief of the Regulatory Division at the Department of Agriculture for Region 1, has been assessing the current situation in the provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.
In La Union, eight areas have been affected, including Luna with 893 reported cases, Bangar with 60 cases, San Fernando with 59, Bacnotan with 27, San Juan with 50, Santol with 69, and Rosario with six.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur has six municipalities impacted, including Tagudin with 64 cases, Candon City with 271, Galimuyod with 91, Lidlidda with four, San Ildefonso with nine, and Bantay with 54.
Dr. Banaag indicated that the declaration of a state of calamity depends on the affected areas, as this is based on the number of pigs impacted.
Furthermore, he revealed that the affected municipalities were compensated in February, with Rosario receiving P535,000 in aid.
Currently, the Department of Agriculture is still assessing each municipality regarding the number of vaccines to be distributed.
The agency has reminded farmers to report any signs of ASF symptoms in their pigs promptly to enable swift action and mitigate further spread of the disease.