MANILA, Philippines — The African swine fever (ASF) has now reached the island province of Masbate after samples tested by the Department of Agriculture (DA) yielded a positive result for the virus.

In a document obtained by the Inquirer, the DA confirmed in a letter dated Feb. 9, 2021 that hog samples of organs and blood from the province tested positive for ASF. The letter was addressed to municipal mayor Arturo Virtucio.

Masbate, a province in the Bicol region, has its own seaport, located in Masbate City.

It was in February last year when the region reported its first ASF outbreak in Camarines Sur.

As of press time, details have yet to be provided by the agency.