THE ORMOC City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) is again reminding the public to adhere to preventive measures againstthe African Swine Fever (ASF) that has hit three barangays and to prevent its spread.
Accordingly, among the things that are prohibited is feeding leftovers or leftover food to domestic pigs because the ASF virus can survive in pork meat or processed pork products. The CVO also recommended that a fence be built around the pig house and pen to prevent the entry of dogs, chickens, cats, and other species that may carry the disease.
The CVO further requests to avoid the entry of rangers, ashers, and other persons who have already entered ASF-positive areas; change slippers or boots when entering the pigpen; and put up a signage at the entrance of the piggery where it says “high security area” and “unauthorized persons are not allowed.”.
Finally, among the things that should also be done is to regularly clean and disinfect the pig pen; put a foot bath at the entrance of the house to avoid the entry of germs; and wash hands before going to the pig pen; and that, if a pig dies, it must be buried and covered.
According to the CVO, ASF is not airborne or transmitted through the air. It needs contact with pigs to become infected, so it is necessary to implement biosecurity measures such as physical, chemical, and human action to prevent the entry of viruses into piggeries.
The CVO notice also recommended other things that should be done for semi-commercial and commercial farms. These include the double fencing of the farm; in-house caretakers and downtime; a shower before entering and leaving the farm; and that the vehicles that will be used to deliver feed and unload the pigs should not be allowed to enter the farm unless they have wheel vats or disinfection on their tires before entering the farm. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail July 22-28, 2024 issue)
