Hogs from one of two trucks intercepted in livestock checkpoints in Quezon City and Valenzuela City have tested positive for African swine fever, the Bureau of Animal Industry said Tuesday.

147 pigs with African swine fever seized at Quezon City checkpoint

BAI said the 11 hogs carried by one of the trucks showed clinical signs of ASF infection even before the blood tests were conducted.

“The pigs were condemned and buried in a central burial site as part of the disease containment measures,” it said.

Another 38 hogs carried by another truck tested negative for ASF. The BAI allowed them to be slaughtered immediately.

The Department of Agriculture has set up border controls in several areas to stop the spread of ASF.

The DA said border controls were set up in several areas to stop the spread of ASF from an outbreak, particularly in Batangas.

BAI has heightened surveillance efforts to stop the transport of sick animals. Checkpoints have been set up in the northern and southern parts of the National Capital Region as disease control measures.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica, a veterinarian, reiterated that all permits must be valid and animals showing any signs of illness will undergo testing.

The DA urges hog traders and transporters to comply with regulations to avoid further spread of ASF and protect the nation’s swine industry.