Manila, Feb. 20 -- The Northern Samar provincial government has intensified efforts to prevent and control the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in hog farms after reporting 14 confirmed cases of the highly-contagious disease in three towns.

Provincial Agriculture Officer Jose Luis Acompanado said in a phone Thursday they launched field surveillance in towns where unusual hog mortalities were reported.

"This initiative is part of a broader strategy to contain potential outbreaks and ensure that local farmers receive timely support and science-based disease management," Acompanado told the Philippine News Agency.

Citing laboratory findings, the official reported nine confirmed ASF cases in Las Navas town, three in Catubig, and two in ...