Over 200 hogs died in San Rafael, Bulacan

More than 200 hogs have died in San Rafael, Bulacan from August to September due to a still unknown cause, according to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” Wednesday.

Hog raisers in the area said the cause could not have been African Swine Fever (ASF) because the symptoms were different.

“Kasi ang ASF, nagvi-violet ‘yong katawan, nagdudugo ‘yong ilong. Eh ito, hindi. Basta huminang kumain ‘yan o kaya sumuka, hindi na kakain tapos mamumula,” Joselito Alfonso said.

Meanwhile, San Rafael agricultural technologist Rainier Joson said they are still studying what really caused the deaths of the hogs.

He added he cannot confirm whether it was due to ASF until a laboratory test is conducted.

“Dito po sa bayan ng San Rafael, hindi po totoo na ASF po ang tumama sa mga babuyan po. Hanggang wala pong resulta o ‘di kaya laboratory test, hindi po natin masasabi na ASF po ang kinamatay ng mga baboy nila,” Joson said.

Joson also advised hog raisers to limit the number of pigs they are raising to prevent more infections and fatalities.

“Hanggang wala pa pong bakuna, eh sana ‘wag muna silang mag-alaga ng maraming baboy po,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture said nine regions in the country have so far been affected by ASF.

DA spokesperson assistant secretary Noel Reyes said the community quarantine had helped in containing the spread of the virus.

He also called on hog raisers to inform their provincial veterinary office if there is any problem with their pigs.

“Kung may sakit po, ipaalam kaagad sa provincial veterinary office. Kunwari itong sa Bulacan, hinihintay po natin ang report ng provincial veterinary office kung ano po ang nangyari,” Reyes said. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News