ASF detected in 21 Cagayan villages

By Liezle Basa Inigo

CAGAYAN – The acting provincial veterinarian here confirmed that the African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in 21 barangays in the province.

    According to Dr. Noli T. Buen, the number of affected barangays has increased from the previous 18 barangays.

    Buen said blood samples taken by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed that blood samples from pigs in these barangays belonging to eight towns showed ASF infection.\

    Among the affected barangays were Calantac, Agani in Alcala; La Suerte, Bayabat, Monte Alegre and Centro in Amulung; Liwan Sur and Lanna in Enrile; Baculud, Iguig; Warat, Piat; Parog-Parog, Palao, Maguirig, Iraga, Cadaanan in  Solana; Dagupan, Malalinta, Palca, Bugnay in Tuao; Sta. Clara and Flourishing in Gonzaga, Cagayan.

    There were already 1,236 pigs that have been culled from these eight towns to scuttle the spread of the virus causing ASF.

    Around 303 hog raisers have been provided financial assistance by the provincial government.