DA tells hog raisers to be responsible
The Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 is urging hog raisers in the region to be more responsible in seeing to it that they protect their hogs from viruses and infections, especially at this time of the A(H1N1) virus threat.
DA Quarantine Chief Dr. Joenick Natividad said in a radio interview that since the current swine flu is caused by a highbred new strain virus, which can be found in humans as carriers, extra care on cleanliness of those who go near the hogs, should be maintained.
Particular reminders were given to backyard hog raisers, whose hogs are more susceptible to unhealthy human practices and humans infected or suffering from flu themselves, and may transfer the illnesses to the hogs.
According to DA, about 82 percent are small scale, backyard hog raisers in the country.
Natividad said that hog raisers should disinfect as often as possible their pig pens or piggeries, prevent visitors or “compradors” from coming near the hogs, especially when they come from various piggeries. they have to take a bath and change clothes first.
Natividad further said that even caretakers themselves should not go near the hogs if they have been to other pigpens and have touched other hogs.
He also said that hog raisers should be careful not to mix new hogs just bought with the existing ones, but should be quarantined or separated from the rest from 15-30 days to observe any indication of illness.
Natividad said that on top of all the precautionary measures, hog raisers should keep their animals healthy through immunization and clean food.
In case their hogs are observed to be ill, hog raisers are advised not to administer any medication or go to neighbors for advice, but should immediately consult the local agriculturists/technicians for proper disposition.
Natividad said that in farmers and hog raisers, especially in far-flung areas, should always attend seminars or trainings facilitated by their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO) or by DA’s private partners, like Feeds and Animal Nutrition entities. (PIA6/ESS)