Ebola: From bat to pig?

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – The Ebola Reston Virus (ERV) found in pigs in a farm in Pandi, Bulacan might have come from fruit bats, a health official disclosed yesterday.

Dr. Eric Tayag of the National Epidemiology Center said there is a possibility that ERV was transmitted from fruit bats to pigs recently depopulated in Pandi town.

“We suspect that the virus came from fruit bats but that is not definite yet,” Tayag said.

Tayag based their suspicion on earlier studies in Africa where experts found Ebola virus in fruit bats. They said fruit bats are thought to have transmitted the virus through their droppings or dead bodies.

Similar bats live in the Philippines.

A low pathogenic virus, ERV is a type of filo virus or thread-like virus normally found in monkeys. Its discovery in pigs is the first case in the world.

The virulent subtypes of Ebola virus were found in Zaire, Sudan, Ivory Coast and in Bundibugyo, and caused hemorrhagic fever in its victims.

Tayag said they would now coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the monitoring and surveillance of all types of bats.

With regard to human cases that developed anti-bodies for ERV, Tayag gave no explanation.

In his power point presentation, Tayag showed the possibility of the virus being transmitted to pigs then to humans either through eating or handling meat, particularly for people working in slaughterhouses.

The Ebola Reston strain, first found in monkeys exported from the Philippines to the US, is not known to be dangerous to humans. 

But just the same, Tayag reminded the public to follow the four lines of defense to avoid getting infected by the virus.

These are: report all occurrences of sick or dying pigs; be cautious in handling sick or dying pigs, be careful in handling raw meat; prohibit and confiscate double dead meat; and cook pork thoroughly with adequate heat.

Meanwhile, Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza led local officials in eating roasted pork (lechon) yesterday to prove that it is safe to eat pork.

He voiced optimism on the recovery of the local hog industry.

Dr. Joy Gomez, provincial health officer and spokesperson on ERV, said although the depopulation procedure was successful, they would still conduct public meetings in Pandi starting today to address the fears of local residents.