Pig Farmers on Maximum Alert in South West

Cases of the outbreak of swine erysipelas have been noticed in some parts of the Region.

If proper measures are not implemented, then the pig population in the South West Region will certainly dwindle. This alarm bell follows reports of outbreaks of swine erysipelas in some areas like Bolifamba around Mile 14 in Buea.

Cognizant of the dismal effect this will have if not contained, the South West Regional Delegate of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries Prince Dr. Agbaw Takang Robert went to the field on Saturday May 18 not only to sensitise pig farmers but also to launch the vaccination campaign for pigs in the Region.

While in Mile 4 (Limbe), pigs and piglets underwent three main exercises. They were vaccinated with RUVAX, de-wormed with LEVACIP and disinfected with VIRUNET. The Regional Delegate unveiled government's objectives in the pig sector; which is to increase quality production, protect pigs and eventually increase the income of pig farmers.

As such, the vaccination exercise is compulsory and the president of the Confederation of South West Pig Farmers (CONFESWEPF) Mr. Kodiah Zachs was informed that all the pig farms must undergo the vaccination process. "If some pig farms are vaccinated and others are not, then the vaccination exercise will not be effective," the Delegate warned.

To ensure that pigs are protected during and after vaccination, the following measures were prescribed. After vaccination, hygiene must be respected. Don't keep new pigs with old ones together. Don't allow visitors in and around your pig farm. To ensure a good breed, avoid inbreeding. Avoid giving pigs kitchen waste especially meals that contain salt. An incident was recounted whereby the driver of a Divisional Officer collected all the food left over after a 20th May celebration. When he gave the food to pigs, the pig farm was decimated.

The highly subsidised vaccines are procured with funds from the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries' Swine Production Development Programme. For instance, a disinfectant dose of VIRUNET costs only FCFA 300 as against FCFA 500 in the market. Pig farmers were cautioned to avoid the services of quacks and to rely only on the expertise of MINEPIA technicians who are always available for them.