Hog raisers demand more info on swine flu

CEBU, Philippines - Hog raisers in Central Visayas demand for an in-depth information about the feared H1N1 Influenza A that has already killed hundreds of people in Mexico and now has spread in other countries.

Department of Agriculture Central Visayas (DA-7) Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oblena said hog raisers want to know more about the H1N1 Influenza A, which is the technical scientific term for Swine Influenza Virus infection, for their own precautionary measures.

Oblena said that since the virus has not reached the country, hog raisers focus more on the prevention of possible infection among their pigs.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI-7) Chief of Veterinary Quarantine Service Dr. Arnie J. delas Marias assured that everything is under control.

She said that piggeries in Region 7 are clean so the public must not fear that the virus will occur among pigs.

Delas Marias told hog raisers to maintain the sterile atmosphere in pens. She said raisers must avoid high density stocking, instead, quarantine the piggeries from poultry to lessen possible impact of the spread of virus.

According to DA information sheet, raisers must emphasize dry, clean, draft-free and well ventilated housing. Overcrowding must be avoided as most respiratory diseases are transmitted by inhalation of infected air particles.

Hog raisers must also provide plenty of clean, fresh water, nutritious feed and vitamin antibiotic feed supplement.

Delas Marias stressed that cleanliness is very important in raising hogs.

“Our pigs however are vulnerable once the virus has already entered. When infected, the virus will easily mutate regardless of the kind of environment. We are just fortunate that our piggeries here are clean,” delas Marias said.

Oblena added that most of piggeries here are major piggeries and good practices are done by hog raisers.

Since the country is also vulnerable to the disease, Delas Marias assured that the quarantine service is very keen in surveillance of barges and hand carry bags of passengers coming from outside the country.

All kinds of meat – pork, beef, chicken and other birds – that are not documented or with no supporting transport documents are confiscated and quarantined in a freezer located in the quarantine counter of each airport and sea port in the region.

“We are in constant strict monitoring of the flow of meat transport to protect our region from Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease and other viral infections on animals especially the newest outbreak of Swine Flu” delas Marias said.

Delas Marias however clarified that the virus is not acquired through eating pork and contact with infected pigs. Reports from the wires also noted that scientists still do not know how the virus jumped to humans.

Oblena reiterated that Visayas and Mindanao is free from H1N1 Influenza A. He calls on the cooperation of the public by being vigilant in reporting suspected cases of infection.

Anytime this week, the quarantine service of BAI is set to burn the freezer full meat they have confiscated in the Mactan Cebu International Air Port last week. The freezer is four feet tall and three meters wide. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)