San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – The municipality of San Jose continues to deal with a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), resulting in significant losses to the local swine industry.

According to the July 25, 2024 data from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the town has recorded 5,453 depopulated swine from 547 hog raisers and 1,624 swine deaths from 333 hog raisers.

The economic impact of this outbreak is staggering, with estimated losses reaching PhP82,098,500.00. The amount reflects the devastating effect on hog growers and the province’s pork industry.

Mayor Rey Cajayon Ladaga is leading the local government’s response to the crisis, with Municipal Agriculturist Romel B. Calingasan serving as the Incident Commander. Together with the Incident Command System (ICS) and the ASF Incident Management Team, they are coordinating efforts to contain the spread of the virus and support affected farmers.

The ongoing depopulation efforts are a crucial part of the containment strategy. The process involves the humane culling of infected and exposed pigs to prevent further spread of the highly contagious ASF virus.

While necessary, these measures are undoubtedly taking an emotional and financial toll on the local farming community.

ASF is a severe viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars, with a near 100% fatality rate. Although not transmissible to humans, the disease can devastate pig populations and severely impact the livelihoods of farmers and the broader pork industry.

Local authorities are urging pig farmers to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspected cases immediately.

The municipality is also working on providing support and compensation to affected farmers.

Reports said that provincial and national agricultural agencies are closely monitoring the outbreak in San Jose.