THE AFRICAN Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak has widened with an additional 41,953 hogs culled, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

In a report filed by the BAI to the World Organization for Animal Health, Director Ronnie D. Domingo said the Philippines recorded 69 new outbreaks on Luzon.

Since the outbreak started last year, the total number of cases has risen to 3,967 while around 250,000 pigs have been culled as a precaution.

Of the new cases, the Nueva Ecija town of General Mamerto Natividad had the highest number of culls at 5,414, followed by Mulanay, Quezon at 3,907, and Laurel, Batangas at 3,083.

Six pigs were culled in Mallig, Isabela, followed by Quirino, Isabela at 7.

Areas that recorded new outbreaks include General Trias, Cavite; Sta. Rosa, Cabiao, San Antonio, Talavera, Jaen, Science City of Muñoz, Sto. Domingo, and Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; La Paz, Tarlac City, Victoria, Moncada, San Jose, Sta. Ignacia, Gerona, Pura, and Mayantoc, Tarlac; Antipolo City, Teresa, Binangonan, and Angono, Rizal; Baler and Dingalan, Aurora; San Narciso, and Catanauan, Quezon; Basista, Malasiqui, Calasiao, Bugallon, Binmaley, Labrador, Mangaldan, Lingayen, and Sual, Pangasinan; Pilar, Orion, Orani, Samal, Dinalupihan, Abucay, Hermosa, and Mariveles, Bataan; Jones, Aurora, Cordon, San Manuel, Gamu, Quezon, and Roxas, Isabela; Lagawe, Kiangan, Hingyon, and Banaue, Ifugao; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; and Calamba City, Laguna.

In the Bicol region, Camarines Sur also reported cases in Calabanga, Magarao, Minalabac, Bombon, and Naga City.

Benguet province also recorded ASF cases in Itogon and Tuba.

The report traced the source of the outbreaks to illegal movement of animals and swill feeding. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

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