THE damage caused by El Niño to the livestock industry has reached over 10 million pesos, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The agency stated that the intense heat has significantly affected the industry.
However, a group of hog raisers is more concerned about the onset of the rainy season, which they say could lead to a widespread outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
There is currently an oversupply of pork in the country.
Despite this, prices in the markets have not decreased.
Several markets in Metro Manila are still selling pork for over P400 per kilogram, according to the Department of Agriculture’s monitoring.
According to some vendors, the high cost of procuring pork necessitates raising retail prices.
“Maybe it’s because the cost of goods is high, so the suppliers probably have to charge more for the pig feeds. Therefore, if the procurement cost is high, we have to raise our prices accordingly,” said Robin, Vendor.
The National Federation of Hog Raisers explains that one factor contributing to the price increase is the reduced appetite of the pigs.
“El Niño, of course, created excessive heat, which is unprecedented. The performance of our pigs has dropped. Instead of growing them to 215 to 220 kilos live weight, they are now only about 90 to 100 kilos, which is very challenging,” said Alfred Ng, Vice Chairman, National Federation of Hog Raisers Inc.
Alfred Ng, Vice Chairman of the group said that some pigs are dying from heat stroke.
According to DA data, the damage to the livestock industry due to El Niño has reached millions of pesos.
BAI: African Swine Fever cases rise in several barangays
In addition, the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) continues.
The DA reports that cases of ASF in the country have risen again in several barangays.
The DA is coordinating with local government units to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of ASF.
“One problem is our biosecurity, so we need to work together. We must be aware that we shouldn’t take things lightly. Sometimes we lack proper measures. For example, there are no footbaths at airports, bus stations, or ports,” said Deogracias Victor Savellano, Undersecretary for Livestock, DA.
Hog raisers worried about ASF spread in rainy Season
However, the industry’s challenges with ASF are not yet over.
Hog raisers are more worried about the onset of the rainy season.
They do not want a repeat of 2019 when ASF quickly spread among pigs.
“Our concern is that during the ASF outbreak, the floods caused ASF to spread quickly through water. So, when farms were flooded, even those with good biosecurity measures were affected. When it rains, flu incidence increases, and similarly, pigs face challenges,” said Alfred Ng, Vice Chairman, National Federation of Hog Raisers Inc.
Clinical trials for ASF vaccines is set to complete by June—DA
But, DA states that a vaccine against ASF is close to becoming available, which will help the industry to recover.
The third and final safety efficacy trial for the ASF vaccine is expected to be completed by June.
It will be provided for free to small hog raisers.
“The government has funds, and we need to help them. It is crucial to support these small hog raisers because they constitute 70%-80% of our hog holders in the Philippines,” said Deogracias Victor Savellano, Undersecretary for Livestock, DA.
The Department of Agriculture is optimistic that by December, they will have a recommended vaccine available for purchase by large hog raisers.
“The private sectors are willing to buy; they’re just waiting for the vaccine to be available. It’s not that most of them can’t afford it; they can afford the vaccine,” stated Benjamin Albarece, Asec. for Livestock, DA.
