ASF hits four more towns in Ilocos Norte

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY––The African swine fever (ASF) had spread to four more towns in Ilocos Norte, the provincial government said July 27.
    The viral disease first traced in June to some hogs at Barangay Manalpac in Solsona town, has plagued the nearby Carasi, Nueva Era, Marcos, and Dingras towns.
    The provincial government said agriculture authorities intensified monitoring and surveillance in these areas to prevent further transmission of the disease.
    Hog raisers were also advised to strictly abide by “biosecurity protocols, eliminate meat-based swill feeding, and limit interaction in pig farms.”
    In Solsona town, agriculture officer Ranison Narciso said the hog disease hit at least eight villages.
    Consumers in the province were asked to be more cautious, especially when buying online, as there might be fraudulent vendors who would sell infected pork products.
    The provincial government said backyard growers affected by the mandatory culling in the five towns had received alternative livelihood assistance.