Hog raisers in Benguet must report any illnesses that hit their animals, as cases of African swine fever were recently reported in the province.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinary (OPVET) reported two cases of ASF in Camp 4, Tuba and Gumatdang, Itogon.
Swine raisers in these areas and those who observe cases of deaths or illnesses of their pigs are encouraged to report to the OPVET or to their respective municipal agricultural offices to prevent the spread of the disease.
OPVET also said once a hog farm is found to be positive of the ASF, only those pigs that tested positive of the virus will be culled, not all pigs within the one-kilometer radius.
The depopulation of all pigs within the one-kilometer radius was the earlier practice during the height of the spread of the ASF.
The ASF, a swine disease which until now has no cure, can be spread through direct contact with infected pigs, feces or body fluids, indirect contact via fomites such as equipment, vehicles or people who work with pigs between pig farms with ineffective biosecurity, pigs eating infected pig meat or meat products, and swill feeding.
Aside from the ASF, the veterinary office is also on implementing the earlier issuance of Gov. Melchor Diclas on the temporary ban on the entry of swine, swine products and by-products from Cervantes, Ilocos Sur due to the reported high hog mortalities from an unknown disease.
Diclas stated there are reports reaching them that the still unknown swine disease has spread in some areas in Cervantes, where local shippers source out their hogs.
“In the event that the same is detected in other areas than the aforementioned, a temporary ban on the entry of swine, swine products and swine by products coming from these areas shall likewise be imposed,” Diclas said.
For more information or to report suspected ASF or other animal illnesses contact the OPVET at 0920-247-3380. – Ofelia C. Empian
