Aklan under state of calamity due to ASF outbreak

Kalibo, Aklan (CNN Philippines, May 19) — Aklan is now under a state of calamity due to an outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF).

"The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) has confirmed that seven (7) municipalities have already recorded cases of ASF within their jurisdictions, namely: Balete, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia, Kalibo, Batan, and New Washington," the local government said Friday.

It added that convective polymerase chain (cPCR) testing by the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas detected at least 18 ASF cases among local pigs.

The state of calamity declaration allows the provincial government to tap quick response funds to address the outbreak.

Local officials have also ordered stricter movement of pigs in and out of municipalities' territorial jurisdictions, as well as culling operations in the affected areas to prevent ASF from spreading further.

Like Aklan, Cebu is also dealing with rising ASF infections.

With reports from Aklan-based correspondent Carla Doromal.