Pig disease spreads in Tabuk; 300 swines die

By Dexter A. See

TABUK, Kalinga – Diseases among hogs have spread in this town and the deaths of at least 300 pigs showed that they were downed by cholera and Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) infections, authorities revealed Aug. 30.

Results of hog blood samples brought last week for laboratory test at the Philippine Animal Health Center in Manila confirmed the cholera and PRRS mixed infection among hogs here, said Godofredo Laed of the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Laed said the PVO made the move following reports from hog raisers of widespread cases of severe diarrhea and still births among hogs since July.

While admitting the 300 death toll in swine is very high, Laed said the PVO cannot yet declare an outbreak, “since we lack further qualifying requirements for such a declaration.”

Based on their investigation, Laed said the virus might have originated from infected pig meats and live hogs brought into the town.

He attributed this to the weakening monitoring of livestock and meat products coming in to Tabuk after the quarantine post at the entry point to Tabuk has been pulled-out.

Laed characterized the viral strains of hog cholera as that of excessive diarrhea, while that of PRRS leads to abortion, still births, mummified fetus and very weak piglets.

Laed admitted that it is very difficult to contain both viral infections which cause sudden deaths among pigs.

“What we can do at least is to prevent the further spread of the disease,” he said.

As preventive measure, the PVO conducted massive spraying of disinfectants among infected pig pens. They also called on swine owners to increase body resistance of their pigs through vitamins and proper feedings.

Laed appealed to owners of morbid pigs to properly dispose of their live stocks through burning and deep burying.

He warned people who dare butcher infected pigs for human consumption saying they are just providing possibilities of wider spread of the virus even to other municipalities of the province.
When infected meats enter a house, you are bringing in the threat to your own pigs and that of your neighbors, Laed warned.