ASF hits San Mateo: 6 hogs test positive as Isabela tightens disease watch

SAN MATEO, Isabela — Six hogs in Barangay Marasat Grande, San Mateo, Isabela have tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF), prompting local authorities to intensify monitoring, disinfection and disease-control measures.

According to information from the San Mateo Municipal Agriculture Office, as reported by 104.9 XFM Santiago, blood samples collected from hogs in the area were submitted to the Provincial Veterinary Office of Isabela (PVET Isabela) for laboratory testing, with six returning positive for ASF.

Municipal Agriculturist Ana Maylene S. Basilio said authorities immediately conducted disinfection in the affected area and properly disposed of the infected hogs through burial in accordance with prescribed procedures to prevent further transmission.

The latest detection adds San Mateo to the growing list of areas in Isabela with confirmed ASF cases. As of August 29, 2026, the Isabela Provincial Veterinary Office reported confirmed cases in seven municipalities and 23 barangays, including San Mateo, Quirino, Alicia, Luna, Ramon, San Isidro and Echague. A total of 375 hogs had been culled, affecting 35 hog raisers in the seven municipalities.

Authorities have continued surveillance and disease investigation in affected communities, including blood sampling from hogs showing possible symptoms of ASF.

Tight monitoring at entry, exit points

Local authorities are also closely monitoring barangays serving as entry and exit points between municipalities and provinces to prevent the unauthorized movement of live hogs and pork products that could contribute to the spread of the virus.

Among the areas under close watch is Barangay Bagong Sikat, a boundary area between Ifugao and Aurora, where authorities are monitoring the movement of live pigs and meat products.

Information campaigns are likewise being conducted in communities to remind hog raisers and residents about proper farm biosecurity and ASF prevention measures.

The Department of Agriculture has also intensified ASF awareness efforts in Isabela, which has previously experienced significant outbreaks. In May, the DA and Bureau of Animal Industry conducted an ASF information caravan in the province involving hog raisers, backyard farmers, meat vendors, traders and other livestock-sector stakeholders.

Authorities are urging hog raisers to coordinate with veterinarians and agriculturists and immediately report unusual symptoms or sudden deaths among their animals to allow early detection and containment.