African Swine Fever Threatens Livelihoods of Hog Raisers in Isabela

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — The livelihood of hundreds of hog raisers is now at risk as African swine fever (ASF) spreads to 18 towns and 85 villages, already affecting 120 raisers across Isabela. The Provincial Veterinary Office said the widening outbreak has prompted the provincial government and local government units (LGUs) to step up containment measures to prevent the virus from devastating more backyard hog raisers who depend on pig raising for their income. The threat is particularly severe for small raisers, as a single ASF outbreak can result in the culling of pigs and wipe out a family’s source of livelihood. Veterinary authorities have deployed 24/7 quarantine checkpoints at provincial entry and exit points, while suspected cases are immediately examined at the provincial Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory. Authorities are also administering AVAC ASF LIVE vaccines to eligible fatteners and piglets, distributing disinfectants to LGUs, conducting flame disinfection, and intensifying field monitoring and information campaigns. Officials urged hog raisers to strictly observe biosecurity measures, including controlling the movement of people, animals, feeds, equipment and other materials that could carry the virus into pig pens. Residents were also told to immediately report sick or unusually dying pigs and avoid moving, selling or slaughtering suspected infected animals. Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III appealed for public cooperation, stressing that stopping ASF is critical not only to protecting Isabela’s hog industry but also to prevent more families from losing their means of livelihood. — Artemio A. Dumlao