August 31, 2010

Cholera and PRRS spread into Philippine hog farms

Diseases among hogs have spread in Tabuk, Philippines, and the deaths of at least 300 pigs showed that they were struck by cholera and Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) infections, according to authorities.

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

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

While admitting that the 300 death toll in swine is very high, he said the PVO cannot yet declare a state of an outbreak, due to the lack of further qualifying requirements for such a declaration.

Based on 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.

He characterised the viral strains of hog cholera as that of excessive diarrhoea, while that of PRRS leads to abortion, still births, mummified foetus and very weak piglets.

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

As a 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 livestocks through burning and deep burying.