By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:01:00 03/25/2009
Link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090325-196172/RP-bans-Japanese-Czech-poultry-imports
Filed Under: Consumer Issues, Plant and Animal Diseases, International (Foreign)Trade
MANILA, Philippines—Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap announced on Wednesday a ban on imports of birds and poultry products from Japan and the Czech Republic following official reports from the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or Animal Health Organization confirming outbreaks of the dreaded bird flu in these countries.
The ban covers "domestic and wild birds, and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen."
A similar ban on such imports from the US state of Idaho was lifted. But Yap said that based on the evaluation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Idaho was "negligible."
He said the OIE also validated a US report saying that bird flu has been eradicated in the area.
The state of Idaho earlier reported that the cleaning and disinfecting of the affected premises in Payette County were completed in October 29, 2008, and that ongoing surveillance had yet to detect any additional avian influenza cases.
Last month, the DOH temporarily banned the importation of cattle from China and the entry of birds and poultry from Belgium and the Canadian province of British Columbia following animal disease outbreaks in these areas.
This, after the OIE confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Xinjiang.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Phils. bans Japanese, Czech poultry imports
By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:01:00 03/25/2009
Link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090325-196172/RP-bans-Japanese-Czech-poultry-imports
Filed Under: Consumer Issues, Plant and Animal Diseases, International (Foreign)Trade
MANILA, Philippines—Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap announced on Wednesday a ban on imports of birds and poultry products from Japan and the Czech Republic following official reports from the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or Animal Health Organization confirming outbreaks of the dreaded bird flu in these countries.
The ban covers "domestic and wild birds, and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen."
A similar ban on such imports from the US state of Idaho was lifted. But Yap said that based on the evaluation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Idaho was "negligible."
He said the OIE also validated a US report saying that bird flu has been eradicated in the area.
The state of Idaho earlier reported that the cleaning and disinfecting of the affected premises in Payette County were completed in October 29, 2008, and that ongoing surveillance had yet to detect any additional avian influenza cases.
Last month, the DOH temporarily banned the importation of cattle from China and the entry of birds and poultry from Belgium and the Canadian province of British Columbia following animal disease outbreaks in these areas.
This, after the OIE confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Xinjiang.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:01:00 03/25/2009
Link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090325-196172/RP-bans-Japanese-Czech-poultry-imports
Filed Under: Consumer Issues, Plant and Animal Diseases, International (Foreign)Trade
MANILA, Philippines—Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap announced on Wednesday a ban on imports of birds and poultry products from Japan and the Czech Republic following official reports from the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or Animal Health Organization confirming outbreaks of the dreaded bird flu in these countries.
The ban covers "domestic and wild birds, and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen."
A similar ban on such imports from the US state of Idaho was lifted. But Yap said that based on the evaluation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Idaho was "negligible."
He said the OIE also validated a US report saying that bird flu has been eradicated in the area.
The state of Idaho earlier reported that the cleaning and disinfecting of the affected premises in Payette County were completed in October 29, 2008, and that ongoing surveillance had yet to detect any additional avian influenza cases.
Last month, the DOH temporarily banned the importation of cattle from China and the entry of birds and poultry from Belgium and the Canadian province of British Columbia following animal disease outbreaks in these areas.
This, after the OIE confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Xinjiang.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Highly pathogenic avian influenza in German duck
In the southern German state of Bavaria one of 39 wild ducks shot in January was positive for HPAI H5N1, 38 were negative for influenza A.
The cause of the infection of the bird could not be found. The place where the birds were killed is inside a risk zone, thus free-range holding of poultry is forbidden. There are no poultry holdings in the neighbourhood.
Measure that are applied to control the situation is basic control of wildlife reservoirs and further screening. Vaccination is prohibited and affected animals are to be euthanized and destroyed.
The cause of the infection of the bird could not be found. The place where the birds were killed is inside a risk zone, thus free-range holding of poultry is forbidden. There are no poultry holdings in the neighbourhood.
Measure that are applied to control the situation is basic control of wildlife reservoirs and further screening. Vaccination is prohibited and affected animals are to be euthanized and destroyed.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
US Chicken processor in bid to exit bankruptcy
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation has announced that it is to idle three of its 32 US chicken processing plants in a bid to exit bankruptcy by the end of the year.
The move will reduce production output by nine to ten per cent, claims the company.
The chicken processor, like other US meat manufacturers, has been impacted negatively by a recession led slump in consumer demand and an oversupply of meat on the market.
The move will reduce production output by nine to ten per cent, claims the company.
The chicken processor, like other US meat manufacturers, has been impacted negatively by a recession led slump in consumer demand and an oversupply of meat on the market.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Countries see pig production downturn
Canadian pig producers have reported a record decline in pig numbers over a one year period to 12.4 million head, 10.2% below the 13.8 million pigs recorded on the same day one year earlier (January 1), Statistics Canada has revealed.
Current prospects point to modest increases for both Canadian beef and pigmeat production during 2009, reflecting increased domestic marketing and declines in live slaughter and feeder animal exports to the US. Optimism has also increased due to the lower Canadian dollar.
Meanwhile, in November 2008, the French total pig herd stood at 14.8 million head, a fall of 1.2% since 2007. This fall is expected to lead to a 1.6% decline in French pigmeat production in 2009.
French government statistics agency, Agreste said in a report this week that in 2008 there were 176 000 less pigs in the French herd as compared with year earlier levels. Breeding pig numbers were down 2.9%, meaning that further declines in this herd can be expected.
The reduction in sow numbers has also been evident across other European pig herds. In Germany, the biggest European Union producer, a 6% fall in breeding numbers was recorded.
Philippine AI swine disease check initiated
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is to establish a registration and accreditation system for artificial insemination (AI) centres and providers to prevent the spreading of swine diseases such as the Ebola Reston virus.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the DA, to formulate the registration and accreditation system in consultation with stakeholders.
“Based on scientific studies, Ebola Reston and the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome can be transmitted through unchecked, uncertified semen and poor AI techniques,” said Yap in a memorandum.
PRRS & Ebola Reston
Yap noted the decision to have a registration and accreditation system for AI centres and providers was made after the losses caused by a typical PRRS and the detection of the Ebola Reston virus in pigs in farms in Pangasinan and Bulacan.
AI, a technology that promotes genetic improvement among pigs, is accepted in many areas of the country and has contributed to the growth of the swine industry. “While recognising its importance in genetic improvement, AI’s role on disease transmission should also be reviewed in the light of emerging swine diseases,” said Yap.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the DA, to formulate the registration and accreditation system in consultation with stakeholders.
“Based on scientific studies, Ebola Reston and the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome can be transmitted through unchecked, uncertified semen and poor AI techniques,” said Yap in a memorandum.
PRRS & Ebola Reston
Yap noted the decision to have a registration and accreditation system for AI centres and providers was made after the losses caused by a typical PRRS and the detection of the Ebola Reston virus in pigs in farms in Pangasinan and Bulacan.
AI, a technology that promotes genetic improvement among pigs, is accepted in many areas of the country and has contributed to the growth of the swine industry. “While recognising its importance in genetic improvement, AI’s role on disease transmission should also be reviewed in the light of emerging swine diseases,” said Yap.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Phils: Culling of Ebola-infected pigs in Bulacan end
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/07/2009 9:35 AM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/07/09/culling-ebola-infected-pigs-bulacan-end
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Saturday started disinfecting a hog farm in Pandi town, Bulacan province, after completing the culling of more than 6,000 pigs infected with the Ebola Reston virus.
BAI Director Davino Catbagan said a total of 6,210 infected pigs were culled in the six days of operations, which started Sunday. The depopulation in the Pandi farm was declared complete at 8:15 p.m. Friday.
"Cleaning and disinfection of the farm premises will start tomorrow (Saturday)," Catbagan said, adding that the disinfection process will last for another week.
Officials said the hog farm's operation will resume three to six months after the disinfection.
Catbagan said after the disinfection, the BAI and the Department of Health (DOH) will move to other farms around Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog to make sure pigs in the regions are also safe from the Ebola Reston virus.
"After ng hog farm dito sa Pandi, iyong ibang hog farms naman at iyong ibang backyard farms din (After the Pandi hog farm, we will check other hog farms and backyard farms)," he said.
Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH spokesman and chief of the National Epidemiology Center, said the six hog farm workers in Pandi who have tested positive for the Ebola Reston virus would have to be closely monitored for the next 21 days.
Tayag said the infected farm workers have been advised to regularly check their body temperatures during the monitoring. He said the farm workers remained healthy.
The DOH, meanwhile, advised that the government has not lifted the voluntary ban on the exporting of pork products to other countries.
It, however, clarified that it is still safe to eat pork. -- report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/07/09/culling-ebola-infected-pigs-bulacan-end
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Saturday started disinfecting a hog farm in Pandi town, Bulacan province, after completing the culling of more than 6,000 pigs infected with the Ebola Reston virus.
BAI Director Davino Catbagan said a total of 6,210 infected pigs were culled in the six days of operations, which started Sunday. The depopulation in the Pandi farm was declared complete at 8:15 p.m. Friday.
"Cleaning and disinfection of the farm premises will start tomorrow (Saturday)," Catbagan said, adding that the disinfection process will last for another week.
Officials said the hog farm's operation will resume three to six months after the disinfection.
Catbagan said after the disinfection, the BAI and the Department of Health (DOH) will move to other farms around Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog to make sure pigs in the regions are also safe from the Ebola Reston virus.
"After ng hog farm dito sa Pandi, iyong ibang hog farms naman at iyong ibang backyard farms din (After the Pandi hog farm, we will check other hog farms and backyard farms)," he said.
Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH spokesman and chief of the National Epidemiology Center, said the six hog farm workers in Pandi who have tested positive for the Ebola Reston virus would have to be closely monitored for the next 21 days.
Tayag said the infected farm workers have been advised to regularly check their body temperatures during the monitoring. He said the farm workers remained healthy.
The DOH, meanwhile, advised that the government has not lifted the voluntary ban on the exporting of pork products to other countries.
It, however, clarified that it is still safe to eat pork. -- report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News
Friday, March 6, 2009
Phils: Bulacan pig industry to recover from culling
Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza has offered optimism that the dying pig industry in the Philippine province will recover when the culling of the Ebola Reston-infected pigs is completed.
The Ebola Reston scare sparked trouble in the local pig industry, bringing down the sales of pork by a massive 50%.
The governor, however, said that he is expecting the hog industry in the province to recover as soon as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) finishes the culling of the Ebola Reston-infected pigs in Pandi town this week.
Meanwhile, the team conducting depopulation of hogs in Bulacan is back on track and is likely to meet the Friday deadline as almost 5,000 or 73% of the 6,500 pigs from an infected farm in Pandi town have been culled.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap told reporters that culling team members have recovered ground in the process after encountering several delays in the first few days.
The pigs were ordered slaughtered after foreign health experts found that some of the animals were found positive for the Ebola Reston virus, a non-lethal virus that infected not only pigs in a Pandi farm but also by a number of farm workers in Central Luzon.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Phils: Over 2000 hogs culled in Bulacan
By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 01:18:00 03/04/2009
Filed Under: Animals, Food, Diseases
MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 2,663 hogs have been culled since Sunday in a farm in Bulacan province after they were found to have been infected with the Ebola-Reston virus, an official of the Department of Agriculture said.
''Today,we disposed 1,426 pigs. Total now in 3 days: 2,663 pigs.We are almost halfway,'' said Davinio Catbagan, director, Bureau of Animal Industry in a text message to INQUIRER.Net late Tuesday..
Catbagan said that they might finish the depopulation at the Pandi farm on Friday.
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 01:18:00 03/04/2009
Filed Under: Animals, Food, Diseases
MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 2,663 hogs have been culled since Sunday in a farm in Bulacan province after they were found to have been infected with the Ebola-Reston virus, an official of the Department of Agriculture said.
''Today,we disposed 1,426 pigs. Total now in 3 days: 2,663 pigs.We are almost halfway,'' said Davinio Catbagan, director, Bureau of Animal Industry in a text message to INQUIRER.Net late Tuesday..
Catbagan said that they might finish the depopulation at the Pandi farm on Friday.
U.S. access to Philippine pork market maintained
(MEATPOULTRY.com, March 03, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
WASHINGTON – In what is being called a victory for U.S. pork producers, the Philippine government indicated last week it will maintain current rules for the administration of its tariff rate quota for pork, preserving U.S. access to a fast-growing market for U.S. pork exports, according to the National Pork Producers Council.
In recent months, the Philippine government had threatened to severely restrict pork imports by denying to legitimate Philippine importers the licenses they need to import pork within the country’s 54,210 metric ton pork T.R.Q. Amounts of imported pork below the T.R.Q. are subject to a lower, or in-quota, tariff rate. Once imports reach the T.R.Q. threshold, a higher tariff rate kicks in, N.P.P.C. explained.
Responding to that threat, the National Pork Producers Council filed a petition in December 2008 with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, requesting removal of the Philippines from the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences. N.P.P.C. noted in filing that petition that the Philippine action would have violated World Trade Organization rules and a 1999 Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Philippines.
G.S.P. is a program designed to provide developing countries, such as the Philippines, with preferential duty access to the U.S. market. In 2007, the Philippines exported $1.1 billion worth of products to the United States under the G.S.P. program.
"We are delighted the Philippine government has lived up to its international obligations and given Philippine importers full access to the pork T.R.Q.," said Bryan Black, N.P.P.C. president and a pork producer from Canal Winchester, Ohio. "In light of that, we have withdrawn our G.S.P. petition. However, we will remain vigilant to ensure the Philippine government continues to give the U.S. pork industry full access to its pork market."
N.P.P.C. said the Philippine decision to maintain its current T.R.Q. administration rules preserves a growing market for U.S. pork exports. U.S. pork sales to the Philippines in 2008 increased by 360% to 25,300 metric tons valued at $46 million.
by Bryan Salvage
WASHINGTON – In what is being called a victory for U.S. pork producers, the Philippine government indicated last week it will maintain current rules for the administration of its tariff rate quota for pork, preserving U.S. access to a fast-growing market for U.S. pork exports, according to the National Pork Producers Council.
In recent months, the Philippine government had threatened to severely restrict pork imports by denying to legitimate Philippine importers the licenses they need to import pork within the country’s 54,210 metric ton pork T.R.Q. Amounts of imported pork below the T.R.Q. are subject to a lower, or in-quota, tariff rate. Once imports reach the T.R.Q. threshold, a higher tariff rate kicks in, N.P.P.C. explained.
Responding to that threat, the National Pork Producers Council filed a petition in December 2008 with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, requesting removal of the Philippines from the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences. N.P.P.C. noted in filing that petition that the Philippine action would have violated World Trade Organization rules and a 1999 Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Philippines.
G.S.P. is a program designed to provide developing countries, such as the Philippines, with preferential duty access to the U.S. market. In 2007, the Philippines exported $1.1 billion worth of products to the United States under the G.S.P. program.
"We are delighted the Philippine government has lived up to its international obligations and given Philippine importers full access to the pork T.R.Q.," said Bryan Black, N.P.P.C. president and a pork producer from Canal Winchester, Ohio. "In light of that, we have withdrawn our G.S.P. petition. However, we will remain vigilant to ensure the Philippine government continues to give the U.S. pork industry full access to its pork market."
N.P.P.C. said the Philippine decision to maintain its current T.R.Q. administration rules preserves a growing market for U.S. pork exports. U.S. pork sales to the Philippines in 2008 increased by 360% to 25,300 metric tons valued at $46 million.
Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding
By Tom Johnston on 3/3/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef producer Independencia S.A. has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in a New York City court amid a decline in beef exports and a burdensome debt load, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the Sao Paulo-based company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian insolvency law. In filing the Chapter 15 proceeding, Independencia seeks from U.S. courts recognition of its Brazilian reorganization.
In its filing, according to Reuters, the company said its total debt was about $1.2 billion, about half of which was in Brazil and half of which was in the form of private debt issues in the United States and other countries outside Brazil.
Independencia said sales fell 41 percent between October 2008 and January 2009, and that non-payment in exports had surpassed 20 percent of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company said in its filing that it "has witnessed as a result of the current economic crisis a dramatic disruption in the international beef markets with Brazilian exports decreasing by approximately 34 percent in volume terms, since September 30, 2008."
Independencia said its debt rose because some 86 percent of its debt was in U.S. dollar-denominated trade lines and the Brazilian real recently depreciated against the U.S. dollar, according to Reuters.
Court documents showed the company owes nearly $105 million to JPMorgan Chase Bank and roughly $99 million to Citibank.
MeatingPlace.com
Brazilian beef producer Independencia S.A. has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in a New York City court amid a decline in beef exports and a burdensome debt load, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the Sao Paulo-based company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian insolvency law. In filing the Chapter 15 proceeding, Independencia seeks from U.S. courts recognition of its Brazilian reorganization.
In its filing, according to Reuters, the company said its total debt was about $1.2 billion, about half of which was in Brazil and half of which was in the form of private debt issues in the United States and other countries outside Brazil.
Independencia said sales fell 41 percent between October 2008 and January 2009, and that non-payment in exports had surpassed 20 percent of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company said in its filing that it "has witnessed as a result of the current economic crisis a dramatic disruption in the international beef markets with Brazilian exports decreasing by approximately 34 percent in volume terms, since September 30, 2008."
Independencia said its debt rose because some 86 percent of its debt was in U.S. dollar-denominated trade lines and the Brazilian real recently depreciated against the U.S. dollar, according to Reuters.
Court documents showed the company owes nearly $105 million to JPMorgan Chase Bank and roughly $99 million to Citibank.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
AI found on two farms in the UK
Release Date: February 27, 2009
Birds on two poultry farms in the UK have tested positive for a strain of avian flu, according to ProMED-mail.
Veterinarians from DEFRA carried out the tests at Bernard Matthews breeder sites at Arran farm near Yaxham, Norfolk, and Laurel farm, in Ubbeston, Suffolk. The birds tested positive for avian influenza but not the highly pathogenic H5 or H7 types.
DEFRA has not advised a cull of the birds but has placed a movement restriction on them.
A second series of tests is taking place to identify the strain of influenza.
Birds on two poultry farms in the UK have tested positive for a strain of avian flu, according to ProMED-mail.
Veterinarians from DEFRA carried out the tests at Bernard Matthews breeder sites at Arran farm near Yaxham, Norfolk, and Laurel farm, in Ubbeston, Suffolk. The birds tested positive for avian influenza but not the highly pathogenic H5 or H7 types.
DEFRA has not advised a cull of the birds but has placed a movement restriction on them.
A second series of tests is taking place to identify the strain of influenza.
Pilgrim’s Pride closes 3 chicken plants
From: Would Poultry
http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/pilgrim’s-pride-closes-3-chicken-plants-3645.html
The chicken processing facilities in Douglas, Ga., El Dorado, Ark., and Farmerville, La, which are expected to shut by mid May, are estimated to generate savings of US$110 mln a year as the company works to slash costs in an effort to emerge from bankruptcy, Pilgrim's Pride said.
"The idling of these three plants is a painful reflection of the unprecedented challenges facing our company and our industry from an excess supply of chicken and weakening consumer demand resulting from a crippled economy," said Pilgrim's Pride Chief Executive Don Jackson.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Phils: Depopulation of hogs until Wednesday—DA
By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:09:00 03/02/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090302-191873/Depopulation-of-hogs-until-WednesdayDA
Filed Under: Consumer Issues, Agriculture, Diseases, Food, Animals
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE)The depopulation of hogs in Bulacan province is expected to be completed by Wednesday, an official of the Department of Agriculture said Monday.
A total of 442 piglets in a farm in Pandi were stunned and burned for two and a half hours on Sunday, said Davinio Catbagan, director Bureau of Animal Industry.
The culling was witnessed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and animal welfare groups such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and Animal Kingdom.
Anna Cabrera, program director of PAWS, said that the culling was done humanely but admitted that the transfer of the carcasses from the pigpens to the truck was mishandled.
“Some of the pigs loaded into trucks were handled by one leg, one ear. We talked with BAI Director Davinio Catbagan to ask the workers to refine the handling of pigs and we appreciate that he acted on it,” said Cabrera.
In a phone interview, Cabrera told INQUIRER.net that the hogs were crying out of hunger when they arrived.
“We asked the farm owner why they were crying. We learned that Tuesday last week pa sila hindi kumakain. Only water was given to the pigs. We appealed that they give food and pinakain naman sila kahapon before they were killed [We asked the farm owner why they were crying. We learned that they have not eaten anything since Tuesday last week. Only water was given to the pigs. We appealed that they give food and they were fed yesterday before they were killed],” said Cabrera.
“We understood the farm owners. They lost an estimated P52 million but according to good husbandry, food and water should still be given until the death of the animals,” said Cabrera.
Aside from feeds for the pigs, Cabrera said they were appealing for the repair of some captive bolts that have malfunctioned during the killing.
“Dahil nagmalfunction ‘yung ibang captive bolts, gumamit ng 22 caliber rifles ‘yung mga pulis. [Because of the captive bolt that malfunctioned, police used 22 caliber rifles to shoot the other pigs],” said Cabrera.
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:09:00 03/02/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090302-191873/Depopulation-of-hogs-until-WednesdayDA
Filed Under: Consumer Issues, Agriculture, Diseases, Food, Animals
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE)The depopulation of hogs in Bulacan province is expected to be completed by Wednesday, an official of the Department of Agriculture said Monday.
A total of 442 piglets in a farm in Pandi were stunned and burned for two and a half hours on Sunday, said Davinio Catbagan, director Bureau of Animal Industry.
The culling was witnessed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and animal welfare groups such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and Animal Kingdom.
Anna Cabrera, program director of PAWS, said that the culling was done humanely but admitted that the transfer of the carcasses from the pigpens to the truck was mishandled.
“Some of the pigs loaded into trucks were handled by one leg, one ear. We talked with BAI Director Davinio Catbagan to ask the workers to refine the handling of pigs and we appreciate that he acted on it,” said Cabrera.
In a phone interview, Cabrera told INQUIRER.net that the hogs were crying out of hunger when they arrived.
“We asked the farm owner why they were crying. We learned that Tuesday last week pa sila hindi kumakain. Only water was given to the pigs. We appealed that they give food and pinakain naman sila kahapon before they were killed [We asked the farm owner why they were crying. We learned that they have not eaten anything since Tuesday last week. Only water was given to the pigs. We appealed that they give food and they were fed yesterday before they were killed],” said Cabrera.
“We understood the farm owners. They lost an estimated P52 million but according to good husbandry, food and water should still be given until the death of the animals,” said Cabrera.
Aside from feeds for the pigs, Cabrera said they were appealing for the repair of some captive bolts that have malfunctioned during the killing.
“Dahil nagmalfunction ‘yung ibang captive bolts, gumamit ng 22 caliber rifles ‘yung mga pulis. [Because of the captive bolt that malfunctioned, police used 22 caliber rifles to shoot the other pigs],” said Cabrera.
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