Swine fever and imports empty the Monte Adentro corrals in Licey
Just a few years ago, a visit to the Don Pedro sector in Monte Adentro, Santiago, meant encountering dozens of small pig farmers and family-run butcher shops supplying communities throughout the area. Today, the scene is different. Many pigpens stand empty, and those who remain in the business say that producing pork has become a daily struggle against African swine fever (ASF), increased imports, and high production costs.
The scene reflects a reality that began to emerge after a report published by Listín Diario, in which specialists and producers questioned the handling of African swine fever (ASF) in the country and warned about the decline in national production. In Don Pedro, those figures have a face.
Jose, known to everyone as “Mañaño” and in charge of the farm’s care, says that the sector’s pig-farming tradition has been lost.
Fewer than 50% of the producers who used to be here are still here. Swine fever and imports wiped out many small and medium-sized farmers,” he said while touring one of the farms that are still operating.
His statements coincide with the arguments put forward by veterinarian and swine disease specialist Francisco Trincado, who, in an interview with Listín Diario, warned that African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to affect national production and that the increase in imports has reduced the participation of local producers in the market, especially small and medium-sized breeders.
For Dr. Francisco Trincado, figures and warnings about the decrease in national production, in Don Pedro, translate into empty corrals and producers who have abandoned an activity that for decades was the livelihood of hundreds of families.
“These animals have had blood drawn. That sample is sent to Santo Domingo to verify that they are not sick, and if everything is fine, they will give you a permit. That’s how you can sell,” he explained.
From within
The animals go through different feeding stages, with concentrates identified as Phase 1, Phase 2, and Growth, each designed for a specific developmental stage. Each 100-pound bag of feed costs between RD$1,500 and RD$2,000 and, depending on the number of animals, can be consumed in less than a week.
“It’s been like that for three or four months. After that time, everything the animal continues to consume is practically wasted,” he commented.
As he explained, a few months ago the price of a kilogram of live pigs was around RD$135, while currently it is around RD$120, a reduction that, although it seems small, represents a considerable difference for those who have to bear the high costs of feed, medicines and farm maintenance.
“That is one of the reasons why many producers have disappeared,” he concluded.
The transformation of the sector was also evident among the merchants in the area consulted by Listín Diario; several butchers agreed that pig farming has decreased drastically in recent years.
“There are no farms or breeders left within a five-kilometer radius,” one of them said, describing how a community that for decades was known for pig farming now has only a few producers struggling to stay in business.
