Forty-four pigs were culled and buried together in Barangay Toong after testing positive for African Swine Fever, or ASF.
According to Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, the pigs came from four backyard hog raisers and tested positive through blood tests.
The animals were subjected to culling as a measure to prevent the spread of ASF.
A video shared online by Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak on Sept. 22 showed the carcasses of the pigs being buried together at the site.
Maribojoc clarified that the 44 pigs did not include those that had already died from ASF.
Authorities continue to implement border control and surveillance measures amid the ASF threat. The public is also being encouraged to immediately report pigs that appear weak.
Affected hog raisers will receive indemnification following the culling of their animals. They will also receive piglets as a temporary source of livelihood while the threat of ASF remains.
The culling and burial were carried out as authorities continue efforts to contain the disease and prevent further transmission among pigs in the area.
