African Swine Fever (ASF) cases across the Philippines are continuing to spread, with confirmed cases continuing to increase.
The country’s Bureau of Animal Industry has released data showing that cases of ASF have been reported in more than three-quarters of the 81Â provinces of the Philippines. Concern is growing within the government that the threat the disease poses to the pig industry could negatively impact the work being done to combat 14 months of rising inflation.
Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp in Manilla, said: “ASF will remain a risk as it has been in the last two years, especially if global pork prices go up with China’s reopening. To retain the headway in the fight against inflation, government must need to be anticipatory.”
Pork is a key product in the Philippines food industry, accounting for over one-third of the consumer price index. The country has been struck by ASF outbreaks before; in 2021, rapid spreading of the disease led to pork production reducing by a quarter.