The towns of Calintaan and Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro are now plagued with a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), leading to the culling of over 1,400 pigs in just over a week.

In Calintaan, local authorities began a depopulation effort on July 28, targeting more than 12 pigs owned by three hog raisers within a 500-metre radius of confirmed ASF cases.

The Provincial Veterinary Office, alongside the Municipal Incident Command Team for ASF, led the operation under the guidance of Calintaan Mayor Dante C. Esteban.

“This is a painful but necessary measure to control the spread of the virus,” Esteban said. “With no vaccine available, it’s our most effective way to protect the health of other pigs in the area and neighboring barangays.”

The situation in Magsaysay appears more dire.

According to the Municipal Agriculture Office, 1,392 pigs have been culled and 161 swine deaths recorded in just eight days.

On July 29 alone, 21 additional swine deaths were reported across seven barangays, including Poblacion, Nicolas, Caguray, and Paclolo.

The ASF Task Force in Magsaysay has been working tirelessly, culling 391 pigs within a 500-meter radius of positive cases between Monday and Tuesday in the barangays of Poblacion and Calawag.

“Your cooperation is crucial in overcoming this challenge,” said a Magsaysay LGU post on FB.

Residents are encouraged to report any signs of ASF in their livestock to the ASF Task Force Hotline.

Authorities in both towns continue to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to prevent further spread.

LGU officials said the outbreak poses an enormous threat to Mindoro pork industry and could have far-reaching economic implications for Occidental Mindoro, with San Jose town already placed under State of Calamity.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, with no known cure or vaccine. While not harmful to humans, it can devastate pig populations and local economies dependent on pork production.