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The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Oriental announced that Bais City has officially been declared free from African swine fever (ASF) under the pink zone classification. This recognition was issued by the national office of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on May 21. The pink zone classification indicates that while no ASF cases were detected in the area, it borders a red zone where confirmed outbreaks occurred.
The ASF-free status is granted following active surveillance, and the recognition is valid for three months. After this period, Bais City must submit a new surveillance report to renew the declaration. The status allows the locality to transport hogs beyond municipal and provincial borders, provided they comply with BAI's regulations.
PVO spokesperson Jaymar Vilos emphasized that active surveillance certification is one of the key requirements for inter-provincial hog transport. Bais City becomes the fifth local government unit (LGU) in Negros Oriental to be upgraded from red to pink zone and recognized as ASF-free. The other four LGUs that previously received this status are Vallehermoso, Ayungon, Manjuyod, and Valencia.
This development highlights ongoing efforts in disease monitoring and biosecurity to rehabilitate the swine industry in the province, which was previously impacted by ASF outbreaks across 17 LGUs. The declaration of ASF-free status is seen as a significant step toward reviving hog production and stabilizing pork supply in the region.
May 28, 2025 / Philippine News Agency (PNA) / Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/
