The Sangguniang Bayan reached a consensus to recommend the submission of swine specimens for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the reported hog mortalities in Sagada, subject to the approval of the Municipal Mayor. The body likewise resolved to explore the availability of financial assistance under the national livestock insurance program for qualified hog raisers affected by the reported losses.
The Sangguniang Bayan and Mr. Peter Ticag of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg), met on July 23 to assess the continuing reports of hog mortalities in several barangays of Sagada that are suspected to be associated with African Swine Fever (ASF). Early this week, OMAg said the pigs exhibited classic signs of hog cholera. The meeting forms part of the municipal government’s ongoing response to the current hog problem.
Ticag reported that 32 hog raisers had been affected, with a total of 152 hog mortalities recorded. Barangay Dagdag reported 67 deaths, followed by Ambasing with 51, Demang with 22, Patay 12 heads, Balugan 10 heads, Kilong with 8 heads and Tanulong 4 heads. Ambasing notes the most number of affected farmers with 11, followed by Dagdag with 8, Demang 5, Balugan 4, Patay and Kilong 2 each and Tanulong 1.
He noted that the Municipal Mayor had previously issued an Executive Order restricting the movement of live hogs and pork products from central zone barangays and Ambasing to unaffected areas as a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of disease. However, SB members noted that the directive is insufficient, as several barangays without reported cases at the time of issuance later recorded suspected infections, raising concerns about enforcement.
The OMAg continues to implement preventive measures, including the distribution of disinfectants to various barangays and the sustained promotion of biosecurity protocols among backyard hog raisers. An earlier decision by the municipal authorities deferred the submission of swine specimens for laboratory testing.
In response to the public and media calls for definitive confirmation, the OMAg convened an emergency meeting with local hog raisers. Some local hog raisers in unaffected areas expressed their opposition to such testing, citing concerns ASF confirmation could adversely affect the marketability of their livestock. OMAg at that time found the situation under control and that the prescribed containment and biosecurity protocols were being properly implemented. The officials, however, clarified that the submission of specimens for laboratory confirmation would be undertaken should subsequent developments or circumstances necessitate further investigation.
Ticag also reported that several barangays had adopted localized measures, designating specific days for the slaughter and sale of hogs and pork products exclusively within their communities. This arrangement allowed hog raisers to dispose of marketable livestock while complying with restrictions on sales.
During the deliberations, members of the Sangguniang Bayan likewise proposed the establishment of barangay monitoring systems and checkpoints to regulate the entry of live hogs, pork, and processed pork products, including tocino, longganisa, and similar products, as an additional biosecurity measure.
Pending laboratory confirmation, officials reiterated that the reported hog mortalities remain under investigation and emphasized that no definitive findings as to their cause have been established. They further urged all stakeholders to continue observing the prescribed biosecurity protocols to help protect the swine industry and prevent the potential spread of disease.
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