"There were no report until this time of sick pigs from the area. We are optimistic that the cases are now controlled," said Mr Orais.

Records have indicated that since December last year 84 pigs have died and almost 772 hogs were affected. Twenty-five others were found to have been slaughtered by owners upon detection of the symptoms of the disease.

The cases affected seven barangays of Santa Rita.

"We have been conducting a series of animal health missions in the municipality. So far 334 pigs had been treated, 252 were given prophylaxis and 87 were vaccinated,” Mr Orais disclosed.

According to Filipino news agency, ABS-CBN News, he said that based on their assessment, at least 90 per cent of the swine that were treated “have recovered."

“Cases of deaths could have been prevented if only suspected animals were reported at once and consequently given treatment. We encourage the hog raisers to immediately contact the nearest veterinary or agriculture office once they observe manifestations of the disease,” he stressed.

He said that after receiving reports of hog mortalities in Barangay Manunca in Santa Rita last December, “we immediately conducted an investigation in the area.”

Laboratory tests of liver and tissue samples from the affected animals were found positive of salmonella infection and not hog cholera. Hog infected with salmonella bacteria exhibit clinical signs such as, loss of appetite, high fever, diarrhoea, nasal discharge and conjunctivitis.

"We implemented the so-called biosecurity measures in order to prevent the spread of the disease to non-affected areas, we recommended a 30-day strict quarantine regulation in Santa Rita. This means, in particular, that movement of hogs will be regulated through several checkpoints installed at strategic locations. Likewise, we proposed banning the slaughter of sick animals,” he stated.

Through the Quick Response Team of DA and with the help of local officials, certain prevention and control measures were implemented to control the spread of the disease.

“But until this time we are intensifying our information campaign focused on proper management practices in backyard swine raising, observance of good hygiene and proper disposal of dead animals.

"We also advise residents, especially hog owners, that if they observe something wrong with their pigs to kindly report it immediately to the nearest municipal agriculturist officer for proper action,” he added.

The infection among the hogs was detected December last year and by early January, DA officials confirmed it as salmonella infection and not hog cholera as was initially thought of.

Among factors that reportedly trigger the infection were feeds contamination, changes in weather conditions, continuous rains, no proper housing and sanitation and poor nutrition.

Further Reading

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