The Department of Agriculture  (DA)– upon receipt of incident reports from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on abnormal swine deaths in backyard farms in some areas — immediately ordered the investigation of affected farms and collection of blood samples.

Affected backyard swine farmers said their pigs showed loss of appetite, recumbency, vomiting, skin hemorrhages, dark discoloration in the extremities, and sudden death.

DA-BAI experts said several diseases can be associated with said clinical signs. Thus, further confirmation is needed from a recognized foreign reference laboratory in Europe.

We expect to receive the results at the earliest, in two weeks, or at the latest, three months.

BAI and DA Regional Field Offices (RFOs) are currently conducting joint activities in line with the 1-7-10 protocol in managing, containing and controlling the suspected disease or diseases.

This means that within one kilometer (km)-radius of infected farms, BAI and concerned RFO have set up quarantine checkpoints at strategic locations to prevent the movement of all live pigs, pork, and pork-related products. All pigs tested positive within the area are culled.

For swine farms within seven-km radius, BAI and concerned RFO conduct surveillance procedures, test animals to determine the extent of infection, and limit animal movement.

Finally, in farms within 10-km radius, we require mandatory disease reporting.

The DA-BAI urges swine raisers to improve their biosecurity measures and prohibit swill feeding.

In partnership with local government units, the private sector, and PNP, we at the DA-BAI and concerned DA-RFOs vigorously conduct joint monitoring of the movement of live pigs, pork and pork-related products in suspected infected swine farms.

We strongly require that movement and trade of live animals, meat and processed products be accompanied with appropriate veterinary health certificate, shipping permit, and meat inspection certificate.

We also urge consumers to remain vigilant when buying meat and meat by-products, which should be duly inspected by the DA-National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Given the situation, we assure the public that there is enough supply of meat in the market.

Let us all help the swine industry by reporting any unusual swine mortalities in your area to the nearest government veterinary offices so that immediate action can be undertaken.

For reports and inquiries on animal disease incidence, kindly call or text DA-BAI at 0995-1329339 or 0920-8543119. ###