Swine fever hits farms in 6 towns in Isabela

HOG TRADE A pig is prepared for weighing as traders turn to a backyard raiser in Gamu, Isabela, for their meat supply. Hog growers in Isabela have lost at least P10 million due to the African swine fever that struck farms in at least six towns starting the last week of July. —VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, Philippines — New cases of the African swine fever (ASF) have been detected in hog farms in six towns in Isabela province since the last week of July, prompting the provincial veterinary office to order the culling of more than 1,000 pigs to contain the infestation.

Close to 180 hog raisers in the towns of Quezon, Roxas, Aurora, Luna, Ramon and San Mateo have been affected by the outbreak, according to Dr. Angelo Naui, provincial veterinarian.

In Luna alone, at least 600 hogs were culled in five villages, Naui said.

“The [swine fever] has a big effect on hog raisers but we have been continuously working to prevent the spread,” he said. Naui estimated losses of pig farms at P10 million since the outbreak.

The local government said it would provide financial assistance to the hog raisers, who were also asked to ensure biosecurity to avoid the entry of the virus causing ASF into their farms.

Checkpoints

Checkpoints were again installed at the borders to prevent the entry of infected pigs and tainted pork products, said Gov. Rodolfo Albano III.

In February, contamination was detected in the towns of Quirino, Mallig, Roxas, San Manuel, Gamu, Cordon and Jones. Except for Cordon and Jones, these towns are near Tabuk City in Kalinga province where swine fever cases were recorded in January.

—Villamor Visayas Jr.