The number of hog deaths in Negros Occidental is slowing down, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz disclosed recently.
From 400 a day, the mortalities have reduced to 140-150, Diaz said, noting that the hog population in some local government units have almost been wiped out, while other LGUs not affected by swine diseases are confident that they have enough protection.
He said that the provincial government is doing everything, by continuously conducting testing and surveillance of all hog raisers, and affected areas being segregated and isolated.
As of June 19, the value of Negros Occidental hog losses caused by swine diseases has further increased to P152,774,975, with pig deaths recorded at 13,572, or 9.48 percent of the province’s hog population.
Diaz said he is optimistic of being “victorious” again, stressing that the provincial government has been successful in preventing the entry of deadly African Swine Fever (ASF) virus in the province for more than four years.
The provincial government is giving P2,000 financial assistance and free-range chickens to affected hog raisers.
Diaz also announced that 400 hog raisers were also listed under “Project Hope”, which aimed at providing them with livelihood opportunities, in partnership with a foundation. It is a smartphone app-based program where they will be provided with capital, and be assisted in the management of business.
(Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)
