Northern farms quarantined to halt porcine diarrhoea

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Agriculture on Friday ordered a quarantine to halt the spread of porcine diarrhoea detected in 17 pig farms in Santiago and Espaillat provinces (north).

Agriculture Livestock Dept. director Bolivar Toribio said four control centers have been installed to stop contagion among piglets and called on hog farmers to heighten hygiene to avert further losses estimated at 8,500 pigs thus far.

Calm

The official noted that the disease affects only pigs within a few days of birth and urged farmers to remain calm and adhere to strict hygiene.

"It’s important that farmers maintain bio-security measures in their farms. Workers are obliged to shower and change clothes prior to entering and leaving the facilities to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as to disinfect equipment, vehicles and working material," Toribio said.