COMMERCIAL hog growers in Northern Mindanao are feeling the pain from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Luzon, noting a decrease in the demand of pigs in the locality.

Robert “Bobby” Uy of Chona’s Farm said although the production of live pigs did not change, the farm gate price has dropped by P5. From P100, the farm gate price after the ASF outbreak is now only at P95.

Uy laments the disinformation that ASF is contagious to humans.

“So far, okay pa ang health status sa among mga baboy. Ang amo ani is pahibalo nga dili ni makadaot sa tawo, labina kung ang baboy niagi lang sa slaughter house, dili gyud siya makadaot kay naa man atong meat inspection service,” Uy said.

The most vulnerable to ASF are pigs raised in backyard piggery farms, he said.

This is why Uy advises backyard raisers to be cautious in swill feeding.

“Ang volume sa atong syudad sa production sa restaurants and hotels, 20 to 30 tons a day unya ang nag benefit ani ang backyard raisers kay ila man ning livelihood,” he said.

Feeding swill, locally known as “pasaw,” to pigs is unsanitary and can cause diseases.

If swill feeding is the only choice, cooking it for an hour should be necessary before feeding it to the pigs.

City Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Resma said they continue to give out vitamins, minerals, and supplements to the backyard growers to keep their pigs in shape.