SURALLAH, South Cotabato — Authorities have placed Barangay Moloy under strict quarantine and imposed a “no movement” policy on live pigs and pork products after more than 90 pigs died from an undetermined disease, raising fears of a possible outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) or another contagious swine disease.
The lockdown was implemented following the sudden deaths of at least 93 pigs—most of them breeding sows—in different sitios of Barangay Moloy. Local officials said the number of fatalities could still increase as reports from affected hog raisers continue to be consolidated.
Barangay Captain Boyet Fulgencio said the first cases were reported last week in several sitios before the unexplained deaths spread toward the center of the barangay, prompting local authorities to immediately implement disease containment measures.
Under the quarantine order, the transport of live pigs, pork products, and livestock carriers into and out of Barangay Moloy has been temporarily prohibited. Slaughtering and roasting of pigs have also been suspended until further notice to prevent any possible spread of the suspected disease.
“We are implementing strict movement restrictions while waiting for the official laboratory results,” Fulgencio said, adding that the barangay has already coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and veterinary authorities for immediate intervention.
Laboratory tests underway
Veterinary personnel are currently conducting blood sampling and laboratory examinations to determine whether the deaths were caused by African Swine Fever, hog cholera, or another infectious disease.
Councilor Henry Eslabon, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, said the Municipal Veterinary Office has intensified its investigation while urging hog raisers to strictly observe biosecurity measures as authorities await laboratory confirmation.
Although ASF remains among the primary diseases being investigated due to symptoms observed in the affected pigs, barangay officials noted that some clinical signs differ from previous ASF cases recorded in the village.
Fulgencio stressed that authorities would refrain from making conclusions until laboratory findings are released.
LGU assures public: No confirmed diagnosis yet
In an official statement, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surallah emphasized that no swine disease has been officially confirmed despite the reported animal deaths.
The municipality said blood sample collection was scheduled on July 2 as part of efforts to identify the exact cause of the mortality.
The LGU assured residents that proactive measures have already been put in place, including:
- Establishment of quarantine checkpoints;
- Strict movement restrictions on live hogs, pork products, and livestock transport vehicles;
- Disinfection of animal premises;
- Continuous monitoring and surveillance in affected areas.
Authorities also appealed to local hog raisers to remain calm but vigilant while strictly observing biosecurity protocols to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Residents were likewise encouraged to immediately report any unusual illnesses or deaths among livestock to enable rapid government response.
Neighboring villages also reportedly affected
Local officials disclosed that similar incidents have reportedly been observed in several neighboring barangays within Surallah, although authorities have yet to determine whether the cases are connected.
The Department of Agriculture has already extended assistance by providing veterinary medicines and technical support to affected hog raisers while investigations continue.
Expert dismisses claims linking pig deaths to earthquake
Meanwhile, an animal health specialist has rejected claims circulating among some residents that the deaths may have been triggered by the magnitude earthquake that struck the area on June 8.
Animal Technician Specialist Archie Masa said there is no scientific basis linking earthquakes to the sudden deaths of pigs.
According to Masa, viral or bacterial infections remain the more likely causes, although no definitive conclusion can be made until laboratory examinations are completed.
He also urged livestock owners to strengthen farm biosecurity by installing footbaths, regularly disinfecting pig pens, limiting human access to livestock areas, avoiding bringing pork products near pig enclosures, and installing protective nets around facilities.
Authorities urge vigilance
With laboratory confirmation still pending, authorities continue to enforce quarantine measures to protect the municipality’s swine industry from a potential outbreak.
Officials assured the public that intensified monitoring, surveillance, and coordination with national veterinary agencies will remain in effect until the exact cause of the unexplained pig deaths is determined.