Veterinarians ask the Government to eliminate pigs to eradicate African Swine Flu

The Dominican College of Veterinary Doctors (Colvet) recommended yesterday that the government eliminate the country’s pig population because this is the only way to eradicate African Swine Fever (ASF).

The union president, Huáscar Ariza, recommended that the government compensate pig producers from large, small, or medium-sized farms and those who raise pigs in backyards.

Ariza spoke at a press conference, accompanied by the advisors of that union, doctors Julio Concepción (pathologist) and Orlando Sánchez Díaz, who directed in 1978 the total elimination of the country’s pig population, authorized by President Antonio Guzmán.

Also present were veterinarians José Segura and Luis Martínez, the vice president and secretary of Colvet, and members Tania Galarza and Jorge Monsanto. Ariza assured that while he finds these pigs on farms, there will be ASF and that the only thing that ends it is the total elimination of these animals.

He explained that 80% of the pork consumed by the Dominican population is imported from the United States. In response to a question, he said that the government should estimate the cost of disposing of all pigs. Ariza said the country’s pig population includes 25,000 bellies.

He said that pig restocking would take a year and a half, following an inspection to ensure that ASF does not exist in the country.

COLVET Press Release

Ariza delivered the statement that reads: “Colvet, together with our advisors on swine matters, doctors Julio Concepción and Orlando Sánchez Díaz, propose to the Government the following recommendations on the health problem that affects the entire national territory with the outbreaks of ASF: eradication of the entire pig population, in organized farms and pigs in the backyard.”

He assures that this would favor eliminating the other diseases affecting pigs.

Compensation for all pig producers. Pig repopulation two years after eradication, following an epidemiological survey throughout the territory.

Last week, Miguel Olivo, president of the Dominican Federation of Pig Farmers, said that pig producers are in a difficult situation and called for fair compensation.

Only in the courtyards?

The director of Livestock, Iván Madera, reported on March 26 that ASF is in small backyard farms in Peravia: San Cristóbal, Sánchez Ramírez, Hato Mayor, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Dajabón. Meanwhile, the agricultural advisor to the Executive Branch, Eric Rivero, assured that the government will compensate pig farmers.