Outbreaks in Cambodia of African swine fever – which while of no harm to humans, can result in mortality rates of up to 100 per cent in pigs – are a worry for farmers, companies and livestock associations.

Biosecurity systems are an important safeguard of pig health, particularly with concerns over African swine fever (AFS), a deadly virus-borne infectious disease for which there is currently no vaccine or cure.

Dr Pok Nhen, CP senior swine veterinarian, said a strong biosecurity system is essential when raising pigs, something CP Cambodia adheres to on all its livestock farms.

Understanding the symptoms of African swine fever, managing any suspected outbreak, and implementing biosecurity practices were key to tackling the disease,” Dr Nhen said, outlining three key points.

1. The symptoms of African swine fever.

After one week of infection, symptoms begin to appear, such as:

- Fever;

- A loss of appetite;

- Red spots on the abdomen, ears and tail;

- A shortness of breath;

- Pigs may suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting;

- Pregnant pigs can miscarry;

Animals can die after two to three weeks of infection.

2. The action to be taken if it is suspected pigs are infected.

- Veterinarians, animal health agencies, or the relevant management must be notified;

- The movement of animals must cease;

- All sick pigs must be isolated, while newly acquired pigs must be kept separate for at least 21 to 30 days to monitor their health;

- Take a sample a blood or lymph nodes to be sent for testing at a laboratory; The sample has to be collected and transport of all samples ensured to avoid the spread of disease;

- If the laboratory confirms the results are positive, all pigs must be killed, with the carcasses burned or buried, and all areas properly sprayed and disinfected.

3. The measures needed to prevent the disease.

- Clean and disinfect all vehicles, equipment and clothing, while workers must shower often, avoiding using water from unsure sources, and use chlorine to kill germs;

- Avoid imported product with unknown resource;

- All pig manure and any carcasses must be properly controlled;

- The animals should be protected from flies, mosquitoes and rodents, which can transmit the disease, by using mosquito nets and rodenticides;

- Touching a pig is prohibited for 48 hours after its return from isolation;

- The education of farm owners and workers on disease prevention measures is also important.

While there is currently no cure or vaccine for African swine fever, by taking such strict biosecurity measures to prevent it, farmers can still raise pigs as normal, Dr Nhen said.

With disinfectant essential in implementing biosecurity measures to control pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, and provide time to kill pathogens (contact time), CP Cambodia supplies a wide range of effective disinfectants, as well as pesticides, veterinary medicine and vitamin supplements, for pigs and poultry.

Te Siemla and Sroy Gekthieng, CP depot owners and distributors in Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces, said they had confidence in the company because of its strong reputation and years of experience in the Cambodian livestock sector.

All CP drugs and feed products are top quality, highly efficient and good standard, helping to better prevent African swine fever.

With its vision of being the “Kitchen of the World”, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) – the agro-industrial and food conglomerate headquartered in Thailand – has been investing in Cambodia under the name “CP Cambodia Co, Ltd” since 1996.

CP Cambodia operates three main businesses, “feed, farm and food”, with the distribution of its products, both wholesale and retail, centred on social and environmental responsibility.

Customers interested in consulting on animal health or purchasing CP animal medicine products for use or for sale, please contact 012 318 040, visit the CP Cambodia Facebook page or use the QR code.