TO ENSURE that Negros Occidental will remain free from Asian Swine Fever (ASF), the provincial government is maintaining its strict border control, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana said yesterday, July 6.

Lemana stressed that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson would like to make sure that the province maintains its ASF-free status, saying that Negros Occidental is one of the few provinces that are still free from the dreaded disease affecting swine.

She emphasized that the province is trying to protect its P6 million swine industry, especially that Negros Occidental remains number one in terms of backyard swine raising nationwide.

Meanwhile, Lemana assured that the province still has sufficient pork and chicken supply.

Negros Occidental produces 70,000 to 75,000 heads of chicken per day with a consumption of about 60,000 to 70,000 heads per day.

She also noted an increase in the price of chicken meat attributed to the high cost of feeds.*