Romblon Town Maintains Vigilance Despite Containment of African Swine Fever

Romblon – The spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Romblon town appears to be contained, yet local authorities are maintaining strict safeguard measures. Municipal agriculturist Rexfort Famisaran, in an interview on Friday, confirmed that four meat inspection checkpoints remain operational on roads leading into the town, along with another checkpoint at the Port of Odiongan.

According to Philippines News Agency, these checkpoints are responsible for preventing the entry of live hogs, fresh pork meat, and processed pork products to safeguard the town from ASF.

Famisaran explained that while piggeries in Odiongan are permitted to export products outside the town, strict controls are in place, particularly for animals from areas previously affected by ASF. An exclusion zone has been established around the location where ASF was first detected, focusing on containing the disease and protecting commercial piggeries. The town currently has around 4,000 hogs, none of which have exhibited ASF symptoms in recent weeks. However, two hogs from backyard piggeries recently fell ill, leading to blood tests to determine the cause. Representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry are scheduled to visit the town on November 17 to assess the ASF situation, which will influence decisions on lifting certain restrictions. Romblon remains under a state of calamity due to ASF cases in at least five towns.