Pigs dying in 2 towns in Pampanga

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Strict quarantine has been imposed in backyard piggeries in San Simon and parts of Mexico town, as a growing number of pigs there are dying from what is believed to be Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRSS).

Provincial veterinarians, however, said there is no cause for alarm, as the PRSS is different from swine flu although it increases the hogs’ risk to the latter disease.

Visible symptoms of PRRS include high fever, loss of appetite, red skin and diarrhea, they said.

In a report, the provincial information office cited “cases of unusual deaths and the increase in the number of sick pigs in San Simon” and in a neighboring barangay in Mexico.

The pigs manifested “diarrhea, inappetence (lack of appetite), and vomiting,” it said, adding that these were symptoms of PRRS.

According to the report, at least 112 pigs of 31 backyard hog raisers have already been affected.    

Records show that PRRS is estimated to cost the US hog industry $600 million in losses yearly.

Gov. Ed Panlilio said the affected piggeries have been placed under quarantine. “The sick animals are now being treated and that none is being sold,” he said. – Ding Cervantes