June 24, 2026
BACOLOD – More than 500 pigs have died in San Enrique town in Negros Occidental following a resurgence of African swine fever (ASF), three years after the disease killed thousands of swine in the province.
“We already have confirmed cases,” Lacson said in an interview.
San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that all 10 barangays in the town have been affected, with laboratory tests confirming the outbreak on Monday.
Local authorities have imposed border controls and strengthened biosecurity measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that ASF cases have been confirmed by local laboratories and the Bureau of Animal Industry, with the outbreak concentrated in the southern part of the province.
Cases confirmed
He added that as of Tuesday, the pig mortality rate in the province had reached 4.06 percent.
“I asked to update this because it might be more. What’s important also is that our protocols in addressing ASF is now being followed. First thing is, if there’s a mortality, immediately bury. Disinfect, put lime and bury the pig. For those who still have healthy pigs, we suggest for them to sell them already,” he said.
Lacson said that disease control protocols were adopted when Negros Occidental first recorded ASF cases in 2023.
“In fact, we were successful because we were already repopulating. Unfortunately, this was already said before, it will take a while before we can totally eradicate ASF,” he said.
Provincial authorities have reactivated containment measures used during last year’s outbreak, including the immediate burial of infected pigs with lime and disinfection of affected areas.
Local officials in the neighboring towns of Moises Padilla and La Castellana have likewise tightened restrictions to protect livestock and public health, including imposing bans on the entry of pork products and live swine, and stricter enforcement against illegal meat sales.