Hog cholera in Bulacan, Pampanga contained

The hog cholera incidence in Bulacan and Pampanga has been effectively contained, according to Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) director Dr. Davinio Catbagan.

Catbagan said out of the country’s one-million pig stock, only about 4,000 have been affected in the two provinces.

Catbagan confirmed that about 2,000 were affected in Bulacan and another 2,000 in Pampanga.

Following the confirmation that the incidence was hog cholera and not swine flu as initially reported, Catbagan assured that the BAI and the Department of Agriculture have set up the necessary containment and biosecurity measures to stop the disease from spreading further.

Catbagan pointed out that the BAI is already implementing an inoculation program for healthy pig stock to prevent them from getting hog cholera and swine flu.

Likewise, quarantine and other containment measures have been implemented in the affected areas.

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) is also strictly monitoring the movement of hogs and newly slaughtered meat, requiring the presentation of the necessary permits for all transport of pigs and carcasses.

Catbagan accompanied Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap Friday afternoon in his inspection of the prices of pork, chicken, vegetables and fish at the Commonwealth market.

Prices of the food products remain stable although it appeared that consumers avoided buying pork.

Pork prices are between P100 for the front leg or pata and up to P150 for the tenderloin or lomo.

Although the government, through the NMIS, is ensuring that “double dead” meat is not being sold in the market, Catbagan advised consumers to look for the government or local seal that certifies the safety of the carcass.

Likewise, the consumer can also smell the meat for any telltale odor of antibiotics or medication administered to the pig if it had been sick before slaughter.

Meanwhile, Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza confirmed that the incidence of hog cholera and swine flu in the province has subsided in the last two days, citing reports from the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP).

Speaking before hog raisers and media men yesterday in a press conference at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here, Mendoza also said the BAI has donated 5,000 doses of vaccines to help contain the incidence.

“I cut my trip (to China) short just to address this issue,” Mendoza said, noting that recent reports of the viral diseases have affected the swine industry not only in Bulacan, but in other parts of Central Luzon as well.

On Friday, Dr. Felipe Bartolome, provincial veterinarian, clarified that there is no hog cholera outbreak yet in Bulacan contrary to earlier reports. – With Dino Balabo