Suspected hog cholera hits four villages in Leyte town
By MELANIE L. BINGCO, ABS-CBN Tacloban | 11/20/2008 10:46 PM
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TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial veterinarian of Leyte has revealed that there have been about 20 pigs slaughtered in four villages in Burauen town due to suspected hog cholera.
Dr. Teofilo Mendoza however was quick to clarify that not all slaughtered pigs were afflicted with the cholera viral disease.
“Some villagers just feared their animals might have acquired the disease,” he said.
The authorities have already conducted vaccinations in Barangay Maabab, Tambis, Malaihao and Cagangon and have given antibiotics to sick animals.
They also took blood samples of the affected pigs to confirm if the animals are really hit by cholera. However Dr. Mendoza said he already saw clinical signs that the animals are infected with the virus.
“The pigs were experiencing high fever, lack of appetite, weakness, constipation or diarrhea, and nasal discharge and the meat of those slaughtered show hemorrhages. But we still have to confirm if this is really hog cholera through testing of the blood sample,” he said.
Since there had been a slaughter of pigs suspected to be infested of cholera, authorities would also observe the residents if they will show symptoms of infection due to the meat they consumed.
Based on the latest data of the provincial veterinary office, there are still six cases of suspected hog cholera in the villages that they are monitoring including a case of abortion of a pregnant sow.
Hog cholera or classical swine fever is endemic in the province hence the veterinarian advises hog raisers to subject their swine to periodic vaccination.
