ASIDE from the continuous reminder of the importance of observing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), hog raisers in the Cordillera Region are also being reminded of implementing prevention measures against hog cholera.
This, following cases of hog cholera in the Municipality of San San Enriquez, Negros Occidental, which hit 99.22 percent or 2,671 of its 2,692 hog production, leaving 21 surviving hogs, and affecting 508 hog raisers in 10 barangays in the said area.
The livestock division of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) recommends hog raisers to vaccinate against hog cholera to prevent the possible transmission of the virus from infected hogs to healthy hogs.
Hog cholera vaccines can be bought from some accredited poultry and agricultural suppliers.
Classical swine fever (CSF), also known as hog cholera, is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild swine. It is caused by a virus of the genus pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae.
The most common method of transmission is through direct contact between healthy swine and those infected with the CSF virus. Infected pigs develop fever, hemorrhages, lethargy, yellowish diarrhea, vomiting, and purple skin discoloration of the ears, lower abdomen, and legs. Neurologic signs, reproductive failures, and abortion may also be observed. Oral or intravenous hydration is the primary treatment for cholera. In conjunction with hydration, treatment with antibiotics and antipyretics is recommended for severely ill animals.
Vaccination of piglets from vaccinated sows is vaccinated from 35 days of age. In endemic areas, it is recommended to repeat the vaccination three to four weeks later. Breeders are advised to vaccinate their sows and boars twice a year.
Diagnosis for hog cholera or Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) detection includes RT-qPCR, virus isolation, immunofluorescence assay, and detection of antibodies by serologic tests such as ELISA and virus neutralization. There are no treatments for CSFV.
However, it has become a common practice to include the sow in the vaccination of piglets. – JTLlanes
