SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique Provincial Veterinary (ProVet) Office has warned hog raisers against pneumonia that could possibly afflict their livestock due to harsh weather.
Dr. Marco Rafael Ardamil, head of the ProVet Public Health Division, said in an interview on Tuesday they have already received reports from three animal farms in the province that their hogs died due to pneumonia.
According to Ardamil, the intermittent rain and hot weather, affect the immune system of the hogs making them susceptible to pneumonia and poor weight.
The three farms with an estimated 10 hogs which died of pneumonia were recorded from February to March this year.
“I am urging the hog-raisers that if they suspect their hogs to be suffering from pneumonia they should coordinate immediately with their municipal animal technicians so that their farms could be visited,” Ardamil said adding that the animal technicians may also coordinate with the ProVet so that a veterinarian could visit the said farm for the treatment.
“It is important that there is early treatment and that the right antibiotic could be prescribed,” Ardamil said.
The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) or the ProVet if they have available antibiotics usually also give these for free.
Ardamil advised that hog raisers during cold weather should put covering on the side of their pig pens so that animals would not get cold and should bathe their animals during day-time.
He cited the importance for the hog raisers to prevent their animals from getting sick because it would then mean profit loss on their part.PNA/PN
