By I. Inojales | 10:12 PM July 12,2025
SEVILLA, BOHOL — The African Swine Fever (ASF) has entered the town of Sevilla in Bohol, with two barangays confirmed to have positive cases of the highly contagious virus.
Jeff Ryan Cabagnot, information officer of the LGU-Sevilla, confirmed that barangays Ewon and Bayawahan have been affected.
In Barangay Ewon, a resident identified as Rolly Dango reported that six of his pigs died last week and were immediately buried. The remaining sow underwent both rapid and PCR testing, which confirmed positive results for ASF. As a precautionary measure, the infected pig was culled to prevent the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Bayawahan, a sow owned by Emily Barro also tested positive for ASF and was likewise culled and buried.
Cabagnot said the incident was promptly contained due to the swift action of the LGU. Checkpoints have been established in the affected areas to prevent the movement of pigs and control the spread of the disease.
The Municipal Agriculture Office of Sevilla also released an advisory on social media, appealing to the public not to panic. The statement assured residents that the affected areas are isolated and the situation is under control.
The advisory emphasized that premature slaughtering or selling of pigs without following the proper protocols could contribute to the spread of the virus. It stressed the importance of community cooperation and compliance with veterinary guidelines.
Under the current protocol, no movement of swine is allowed within a 50-meter radius of the affected areas for three months. For areas within 51 to 1,000 meters, a rapid test is required before pigs can be slaughtered or sold. Rapid test results are valid for three days and are a requirement for transport permits. Barangay certifications will not be issued without a negative test result. In addition, the Animal Health Inspection Certificate from the Municipal Agriculture Office is valid for two days and also requires both barangay certification and a negative rapid test.
The advisory concluded with an appeal for unity and faith, stating that strict adherence to the protocols, along with collective trust and effort, is key to overcoming the crisis.
