In view of the reported swine disease outbreak in Bulacan, agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap has issued an advisory to all the regional executive directors to carry out measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

        In compliance with the directive, Bicol agriculture regional executive director Dr. Jose V. Dayao has alerted and instructed the DA personnel manning the veterinary quarantine checkpoints in the region to closely monitor entry of animals – ensuring that movement and/or transport of hogs for breeding and for slaughter including frozen and processed meat products must be covered by appropriate Authority or Shipping Permit. He also urged municipal and city meat inspectors to closely monitor the slaughtering activities in their respective areas and for livestock technicians to report immediately any unusual high morbidity and mortality in pigs manifesting diarrhea, fever, abortion and respiratory illness to the nearest government veterinarian.

        Dr. Dayao also appeals to hog raisers to adopt biosecurity measures in commercial and backyard farms such as: installation /maintenance of footbaths and vehicle baths; fumigation of vehicles and all materials on entry and exit points; restriction of entry of visitors; prevention or control of birds, rodents and flies in the farm and; proper cleaning and disinfection of the pigpens and the entire farm.

        Dayao who is also a veterinarian advises animal raisers to dispose sick animals, carcasses, beddings, farm equipments and feed residues by burying or burning them. To increase resistance to diseases, Dr. Dayao recommends that livestock raisers should observe proper animal health practices in their farm including regular vaccination of their stocks.

        The DA regional office has likewise coordinated with local government units and industry leaders and associations for an intensified information campaign regarding this advisory.