ILOILO – Due to the reported high incidence of classical swine fever (CSF), also known as hog cholera, in Negros Occidental, the provincial government here tightened its veterinary quarantine measures in all ports of entry.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., in an advisory on May 25, particularly cited the ports of Ajuy, Dumangas and Estancia.
Hog cholera entering Iloilo could aggravate the situation of hog raisers already reeling from African Swine Fever (ASF), he explained.
“Nagapanghugot kita. Mas maayo gid kon mapunggan ang pagsulod because that would be an additional problem for us,” said Defensor.
Hog cholera is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild swine. It is most virulent because it causes morbidity and mortality approaching 100 percent. Infected pigs develop fever, hemorrhages, lethargy, yellowish diarrhea, vomiting, and purple skin discoloration of the ears, lower abdomen, and legs. Neurologic signs, reproductive failures and abortion may also be observed.
“The Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office reports 2,421 pigs died in 18 days this May 2023 due to classical swine fever, on an average of around 134 hogs a day. The deaths were mostly recorded in the third and fourth districts of Negros Occidental province. The third district covers the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias and the towns of EB Magalona, Murcia, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pontevedra, and Pulupandan,” read part of Defensor’s advisory.
To protect the swine industry of the province, the following measures will be implemented:
* Strict implementation of veterinary quarantine measures on all incoming live hogs, pork, pork products and byproducts in Dumangas Port, Bay-ang Port, and Estancia Port;
* Incoming shipments of swine, pork, pork products and byproducts will be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), a Veterinary Shipping Permit, and a livestock handler’s license;
* Animal quarantine inspectors in all ports of entry are enjoined to conduct thorough inspections of all incoming shipments; and
* Suspicious shipments and/or those with incomplete documents will be returned to the origin at the shipper’s expense.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) head Dr. Darel Tabuada said since the province’s live hogs declined due to ASF cases, some businesses or pig traders have purchased cheaper pork in Negros Occidental.
“Basi kon ihawon diri sa Iloilo halin didto, wala kita kabalo kon ano ang causes sang balatian. Possible nga ma-reinfect kita considering nga medyo nagtahaw na ang kaso sang ASF diri sa probinsya. So, basi masudlan kita sang new diseases nga mas makaguba sang aton nga swine industry,” explained Tabuada.
The common transmission of hog cholera is through direct contact with infected live hogs that have been mixed with other live hogs or through swill feeding.
But Tabuada said hog cholera is 100 percent preventable through vaccines.
The provincial government distributed 1,000 vials of hog cholera vaccines to 43 local government units (LGUs).
Tabuada said that part of hog raising is administering cholera vaccines when the pig is 45 to 60 days old.
“In place na ina, part sang management nga magsagod ka baboy, antes mag-dispose sang idik ginabakunahan gid sang cholera,” explained Tabuada.
The cholera vaccine is available for free in LGUs and is also available on the commercial market at a reasonable price.
Tabuada also warned that it is no longer safe to consume pork in suspected cholera cases.
Because of these, the PVO head urged hog raisers to practice biosecurity measures to avoid both hog cholera and ASF. These measures include: the cage should be screened or fenced, have one entrance and one exit with a foot bath, conduct regular disinfection, change clothes and slippers when going in and out of the cage, and secure the cage after giving food, among others./PN
