ITOGON, Benguet — More than 70 pigs have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), according to the municipal veterinarian of Itogon, Benguet.

The local government unit (LGU) said the outbreak is confined to Barangay Tuding. Municipal Veterinarian Dr. Franklin P. Balanban announced that depopulation operations have begun, affecting livestock owned by seven swine raisers in the sitios of Baguio Gold, Yanggacan, and Cupao in the barangay.

The positive cases were confirmed through blood samples analyzed by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL).

Several possible sources of the outbreak have been identified, including swill feeding, the sale of infected pork, the movement of farmers, contaminated river water, and direct contact with contaminated objects such as vehicles and footwear. In response, the municipal government has partnered with the Provincial Veterinary Office and local barangay officials to implement control measures.

Teams have also conducted mass disinfection of affected pigpens and farm premises.

Itogon Mayor Bernard S. Waclin issued Executive Order No. 38 on Wednesday, directing the strict regulation of the movement of live swine and pork products throughout the municipality.

Balanban urged swine raisers and residents to strengthen farm biosecurity by restricting movement between piggeries and avoiding pork purchases from unverified sources. Authorities also called for the immediate reporting of suspected cases and urged the public to cooperate in preventing the virus from spreading to neighboring areas.