Hog raisers, traders warned vs ASF-contaminated feeds

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY — The Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office urged hog raisers and traders to stay vigilant about the reentry of the African swine fever (ASF) through feed ingredients.
    Provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela told the Philippine News Agency that animal feeds can also carry viruses so prevention and biosecurity are key to prevent ASF cases.
     “We have information that there are individuals offering branded feeds to feed outlets and hog farm owners at prices way below the suggested retail price. Please be informed that these may pose a threat to our local pig industry. ASF-contaminated feeds are real,” Valenzuela said. 
    She advised hog raisers to not bring newly-bought animal feeds inside the piggery and to transfer the unopened feeds to a container with lid cover to avoid contamination.
     “Let us not litter or use sacks in pig pens too,” she added.
    The Provincial Veterinary Office also cautioned hog growers about the presence of mobile private technicians from nearby provinces who are allegedly roving through villages, offering their feeds and artificial insemination services. 
    They can also be a possible vector for the ASF virus, it said. 
    Ilocos Norte continues to reimpose stringent border protocols with the help of law enforcers, including quarantine checkpoints, to prevent ASF from infecting hogs in the province.
    Checkpoints have been set up in all possible entry points for the delivery of hogs while backyard slaughtering of hogs is strictly prohibited.
    In 2020, the Ilocos Norte hog industry incurred losses of around P4.98 billion due to ASF.
    While massive hog repopulation is ongoing, the Ilocos Norte government is urging all hog growers to register and insure their piglets to the nearest municipal or city agriculture office to protect their livelihood. The animal insurance program is free. -- PNA