SAN CARLOS CITY—Hog growers have been warned against a virus known as ‘Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome’ (PRRS) that affect pigs like the Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among humans.

The call was sounded off by Dr. Eric Perez, assistant provincial veterinarian, after they found cases of abortion among pigs which could be one indication of the PRRS that can slowly kill the infected livestock.

“Abortion of pigs also happens when this PRRS strikes,” Perez said.

The reported cases are mostly in the third district.

Perez noted that about70% of the hog growers in the province operate a backyard piggery, and they are the ones vulnerable to the virus as their livestock often do not get vaccination.

He added that pigs are especially vulnerable to PRRS during rainy season.

“Di makikita ang symptoms pero may sakit na pala yong baboy. Pag malala na ang sakit niya nagkakaroon ng abortionsa mga buntis na baboy,” Perez said.

The sows are not the only ones in danger as their male partners are also vulnerable to the virus which causes lack of appetite and a deficient immune system.

“It has no cure. It’s like AIDS that kills its victim softly,” Perez said.

He advised hog growers to have their livestock checked and vaccinated.#

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