Archival assured the public that swift containment measures prevented the suspected outbreak from spreading, adding that Cebu City has since regained its ASF-free status.
AUTHORITIES have tightened biosecurity measures following a suspected African swine fever case that led to the culling of at least 20 hogs from a piggery in Cebu City’s south district.
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At least 20 hogs from a piggery in Cebu City’s south district were culled after a suspected case of African swine fever (ASF), the City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) reported Wednesday.
Mayor Nestor Archival said the DVMF immediately collected blood samples from the affected area following reports of the suspected infection. He declined to identify the barangay involved.
Archival assured the public that swift containment measures prevented the suspected outbreak from spreading, adding that Cebu City has since regained its ASF-free status.
He said only one barangay was affected and that surveillance operations remain ongoing to ensure the virus does not spread further.
According to the mayor, all affected hogs were immediately culled and buried, while the piggery was placed under quarantine and its perimeter cordoned off as part of containment efforts.
Archival also extended assistance to the affected hog raiser, while financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is being processed.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. While it poses no threat to humans, it is often fatal to hogs, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent in acute cases.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, vehicles, clothing, and even ticks. With no effective vaccine or cure available, authorities rely on strict biosecurity measures, culling of infected animals, and movement restrictions to prevent transmission.
