In a significant development, the traffic flow between Dauis and Tagbilaran city in the Philippines has resumed its normal rhythm.
This comes after two weeks of stringent ASF (African Swine Fever) checkpoints, which were lifted early this morning by Governor Aris Aumentado.
The decision to lift the checkpoints was made following confirmatory tests from Cebu City.
These tests revealed that all 182 samples, obtained from random testing of pigs in Dauis, were negative for the ASF virus.
The ASF outbreak led to the unfortunate death of 106 pigs, 82 of which were directly due to the virus.
The remaining pigs were culled as part of a strategic depopulation program, aimed at curbing the further spread of the virus.
In an effort to mitigate the losses, the province has pledged to compensate pig owners.
Each deceased pig is to be compensated at P5k, while piglets are set at P1k.
This compensation is exclusive of any financial assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture in the capital.
Governor Aumentado, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the checkpoints, offered an apology to the public.
He emphasized, however, that these measures were a necessary response to the ASF threat.
As of now, Bohol province remains in the green zone, indicating it is free from the ASF.
This status safeguards the province’s P6 billion hog industry from the devastating effects of the disease. The situation continues to be closely monitored.