December 7, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Outbreaks of African swine fever have dropped despite the limited rollout of ASF vaccine, according to the Department of Agriculture.
DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa yesterday said hogs appeared to have adjusted to the cooler weather and have become more resistant to infection.
“If you look at the historical trend, they call it the third quarter storm wherein various diseases come out, not only ASF. It is similar to diseases in people. If the climate changes, people get sick easily,” De Mesa added.
Latest data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed the number of ASF cases decreased by 21 percent and barangays that recorded outbreaks dropped to 369 from 467.
As of Nov. 22, ASF cases were reported in seven regions, 18 provinces, 78 municipalities and 369 barangays.
On Nov. 8, cases were recorded in six regions, 20 provinces, 104 municipalities and 465 barangays.
“The hogs have adjusted to the climate and cases went down even without vaccination,” De Mesa said.
He said strict biosecurity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces helped prevent the spread of the virus.
De Mesa said that nationwide vaccination of hogs is still necessary to totally eliminate ASF.
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