SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur — The local government of San Miguel has intensified its campaign against African Swine Fever (ASF) after nearly all blood samples collected from pigs in several barangays tested positive for the highly contagious viral disease.
The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET), has stepped up disease surveillance and preventive measures to contain the spread of ASF and protect the town’s remaining swine population and hog-raising industry.
Following the test results, the Municipal ASF Task Force was activated to coordinate the local government’s response. Authorities have also strengthened surveillance activities, imposed tighter biosecurity measures, established checkpoints, and intensified controls on the movement of live pigs and pork products.
The measures are intended to prevent the disease from spreading from affected areas to other communities within San Miguel and neighboring localities.
Biosecurity training for hog raisers
As part of the intensified response, the local government is conducting an ASF Biosecurity Management Training on August 26, 2026, for hog raisers and pig handlers.
The training is aimed at strengthening awareness and helping livestock owners implement proper biosecurity practices in their farms and during the handling, transport and care of pigs.
Authorities are also reminding hog raisers to closely monitor their animals and immediately report unusual signs of illness or sudden deaths to veterinary and agriculture authorities.
One of the key measures being emphasized is the strict prohibition against feeding pigs with raw or undercooked pork products.
Hog raisers are specifically warned against swill feeding, particularly the practice of giving pigs food scraps containing pork meat that have not been properly cooked. Improper feeding practices can increase the risk of introducing and spreading ASF within and between farms.
Disinfection implemented in Barangay Libas Gua
In Barangay Libas Gua, authorities were already implementing disinfection measures on August 26 as part of efforts to contain the disease.
The Municipal Agriculture Office has been carrying out disinfection of individuals and vehicles entering and leaving affected areas. The measure is intended to reduce the possibility of the virus being carried to other locations through people, vehicles and other potential sources of contamination.
Local authorities are urging motorists, residents and other individuals passing through the area to cooperate with the established protocols, including the disinfection procedures and movement restrictions.
Officials appealed for patience and understanding as the municipality implements stricter measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
Movement of pigs and pork products restricted
The strengthened checkpoints are also expected to play a crucial role in monitoring the movement of live pigs and pork products.
Authorities are closely watching the transport of swine and pork-related products to ensure that potentially infected animals or contaminated materials are not moved out of affected areas.
The local government’s response comes amid concerns over the potential economic impact of ASF on families who depend on backyard and commercial hog raising for income.
While ASF does not infect humans, the disease can cause severe losses among pig populations and significantly affect hog raisers through animal deaths and restrictions on the movement and sale of pigs and pork products.
State of Calamity being considered
With the disease affecting pigs in several barangays, concerned municipal offices and local officials are also discussing the possible declaration of a State of Calamity in San Miguel.
Any declaration would be subject to the assessment and appropriate action of the concerned local authorities based on the extent of the outbreak and its impact on the community and local economy.
For now, the municipal government is urging residents, hog raisers and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with veterinary and agriculture personnel as containment measures continue.
Authorities stressed that early reporting remains critical. Hog raisers who observe pigs showing suspicious signs of illness or experiencing unexplained or sudden deaths are being urged to immediately notify the Municipal Agriculture Office or other concerned authorities rather than moving, selling or slaughtering potentially infected animals without veterinary guidance.
The local government is also appealing to residents and travelers to strictly observe checkpoint and disinfection protocols as San Miguel works to contain the ASF outbreak and prevent it from reaching additional areas.