Negros Occidental ASF outbreak kills 500 pigs, triggers Bacolod biosecurity actions

African swine fever was confirmed in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, killing at least 500 pigs across all 10 barangays, according to Mayor Jilson Tubillara. Provincial Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the outbreak affects just over 1% of the province’s swine population, a sector valued at PHP 6 billion.

In response, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya issued an executive order reconstituting a task force to develop a contingency plan, enforce stricter quarantine and movement controls, and run awareness campaigns. The city will coordinate with veterinary, health, police, coast guard and other agencies to monitor and contain the disease. Additional measures include border inspection checkpoints, a ban on pork and pork products from affected areas, and temporary prohibitions on live swine and related items in neighboring municipalities.

Authorities stress that ASF is highly contagious among pigs but does not pose a risk to humans, and they urge farmers, traders and consumers to cooperate with biosecurity protocols.