By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Department of Agriculture (DA) urged hog raisers in Negros Occidental to be cautious in proceeding with hog repopulation as the province is still under the threat of African swine fever (ASF).
In a radio interview, DA Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan said local hog raisers are advised not to be complacent, despite a significant drop in the number of ASF cases in the province.
Ampatuan added that ASF is very difficult to eliminate, and it remains a challenge for the DA to create its own anti-ASF vaccine.
He admitted that ASF has affected the hog supply in the country, and it would take years before returning to normal.
Ampatuan said hog repopulation and improved production in areas not affected by ASF to balance out the supply and demand for pork products are some solutions being eyed by the DA.
Earlier, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) revealed that several local hog raisers have begun raising hogs, despite officials advising them against preempting hog repopulation, based on the PVO’s guidelines.
Lemana said, as part of hog pre-sentinelling procedures, a thorough disinfection and cleaning of hog pens are required, especially for hog raisers affected by swine diseases a few months ago.
The PVO personnel are now conducting inspections of hog farms across the province to identify qualified hog raisers for the sentinelling program.
The program is a science-based approach to detect the presence of ASF in a particular area.
It could be implemented in affected areas or barangays with zero swine deaths for more or less 40 days, the PVO said.
The PVO added that they will implement the program in the province’s fourth district, the first to report hog deaths and record the highest number of swine mortalities in recent months.
On Tuesday, October 24, PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said they have recorded new hog mortalities in the towns of Hinoba-an and La Castellana last month.
However, they were unable to determine if those were caused by hog cholera or ASF.
In August, Lemana asked local hog raisers to temporarily halt supplying pork outside the province to prepare for the expected high demand, and to prevent any sudden price increases.
The PVO said they are already eyeing a high demand for pork in the coming months, particularly during the holiday festivities in December.
Earlier this month, a group of local hog farmers raised concerns that the hog supply may not be enough this holiday season.
More than 200,000 hogs are currently being raised in the province./DGB, WDJ