Protecting Livestock, Protecting Livelihoods: NASFPCP Issues Early Guide for the Rainy Season

As the intense heat of the dry season gives way to early monsoon showers, the Philippines is set to enter its annual seasonal shift in the coming weeks.

For the agricultural sector, the rainy season presents unique challenges of the continued threat of African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF does not pose a risk to human health. However, it spreads rapidly and can cause severe losses in the swine industry. The spread disrupts the supply chains and affects thousands of Filipino hog raisers who depend on pig farming for their livelihood.

In response, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), through the National African Swine Fever Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP), is urging hog raisers and consumers to prepare from “summer mode” to being “monsoon-ready.”

Preparing Before the Rains

Just as households reinforce their homes ahead of heavy rainfall, livestock, such as swine farms, must also be secured. Owners are advised to inspect the roofing and walls for leaks. Ensure that the pens are counterchecked to avoid flooding. Effective waste disposal and drainage are also part of proper biosecurity measures. Owners are expected to maintain proper drainage systems to avoid clogging in the canals.

After Heavy Rainfall

Following intense downpours, livestock owners are advised to inspect their animals immediately. Prolonged exposure to damp and cold conditions can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and even ASF.

A Call for ‘Bayanihan’

As families put away summer gear and bring out umbrellas, the NASFPCP emphasizes that preparation is a shared responsibility. Collective vigilance and unified initiative can help ensure the rainy season remains beneficial for agriculture and livestock.

As part of the preparation, hog raisers are also reminded to report any unusual clinical signs observed in their pigs to local authorities or veterinarians. Prompt reporting and containment efforts can help control the disease within a limited area, preventing the spread in the country.

ASF spreads rapidly through direct contact and the ingestion of contaminated food waste or carcasses. Humans further accelerate transmission by handling infected pork products or moving contaminated fomites, such as farm equipment, clothing, and currency.

Additionally, the virus’s environmental resilience allows it to persist in soil and water; the virus can even stay in contaminated pens for up to one month. Transport vehicles, biological vectors like ticks, and wild boar populations act as major reservoirs. Given these diverse pathways, rigorous biosecurity, including thorough disinfection and restricted access, is essential to prevent outbreaks. ###

Caption: Ivan Fernandez, Giles Alexis Labrador / Illustration: Rachelle Carlos, John Matthew Teh