TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Veterinary Services Office reiterates the importance of maintaining cleanliness of pig pens as a biosecurity measure to stop the spread of hog-related illnesses like African Swine Fever (ASF).
In a dialogue today between the CVSO and Agbannawag hog raisers, it was explained that a dirty barn brings added pressure on swine health due to viral infections, which becomes even more important to maintain sound cleaning and disinfection practices in swine facilities.
According to Niño Venie Mar Cuarteros, pigs are susceptible to many different diseases like cholera, influenza and ASF. This is why it should be a procedure to power wash and disinfect a barn to maintain and raise healthy pigs.
As observed, there are piggeries here that were already left behind on the issue of cleanliness, which may be attributed to various reasons like lack of time on the part of hog raisers, he claimed.
He said a dirty barn becomes smelly which does not only affect the swines, but also the neighboring community.
Cuarteros stressed out that as long as there are people who love to eat meat (particularly pork), it is essential to clean and disinfect barns from backyard piggeries or pig farms.
Concerning farm security bio measures against ASF, the CVSO staff told the participants to refrain from visiting affected areas, feeding pigs with food scraps, and avoiding entry of visitors in their pig farms. They were also reminded to use designated rubber boots and overall suit, and use foot baths with disinfectants when entering the farm.
The hog raisers were also reminded to call the attention of the CVSO in case hogs display signs of infections, and practice proper disposal of dead animals.
At the end of the dialogue, the hog raisers were each given one pack of Virex powder disinfectant for the cleanliness of the barn, and two sachets of electrolytes (water soluble powder) from BMEG Animal Feeds represented by William Alop, the company’s swine technician, to boost the immunity and resistance of the swines.
Cuarteros was joined by Dona Ruaboro and Hazel in today’s activity,with an add-on lecture on prevention of rabies. By Darwin S. Serion
