TABUK CITY, Kalinga- The City Veterinary Services Office (CVSO) has inspected pig farms in Barangays Cabaruan and Laya East in an attempt to prevent the further spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) infection.
The activity was initiated after the recently reported 3rd wave of ASF cases in Barangay Masablang that affected four hogs.
Dr. Carmen Wanas, OIC City Veterinarian, and her team visited designated pig farms in the barangays and counseled pig farm owners and hog raisers on how to avoid their hogs from becoming infected, as well as what to do if their hogs begin to display signs and symptoms of the dreaded disease.
Despite the fact that no instances have been documented in the area as of this writing, the veterinarian advises that biosecurity measures in pig farms be taken seriously because the risk of ASF is significant.
Wanas previously stated that the following biosecurity measures are necessary: prevent hog trading and purchasing pork from ASF-infected barangays and municipalities, swill feeding, fresh roughage or feed harvested from ASF-infected areas, contact with wild or other pigs, sharing of equipment unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and visitors allowed in pig pens. Also, disinfection should be done on a regular basis, and footbaths should be installed at the pig enclosures’ entrances.
To prevent the spread of ASF in the city, the CVSO will undertake routine ASF negative incidence monitoring.