Deadly ASF virus now in south

The country’s P260-billion swine industry remains at risk as the deadly African swine fever (ASF) virus now reached south of Metro Manila, affecting two barangays in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar made the disclosure on Friday at the sidelines of the ongoing Philippines-India Trade Consultations in Makati City.

“The ASF in Cavite has only minimal effects. Right now, there is an ongoing analysis of how the virus reached the province. We all know that Rizal is the first ASF ground-zero in the Philippines. Rizal and Cavite are very close,” Secretary Dar told reporters.

In a separate interview, Cavite Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. said the ASF virus in Dasmariñas City, which was first reported last Saturday and only confirmed on Tuesday morning, infected Barangays Emmanuel Barago and Salawag.

Gov. Remulla confirmed that about 21 hogs have been culled as a precautionary measure against the contagious hog virus.