This past couple of months, areas of Bulacan, Neuva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac was hit by an outbreak. Most likely suspect is an Influeza virus. The virus is more commonly known as the Swine flu virus. The disease is common in the Philippines and the usual sign are:
Fever
Anorexia
Coughning
Difficult of breathing
Discharged in the eyes and nose
Abortion if pregnant.
In the past this disease is not considered as threatening as it is now. In fact most farm do not vaccinate for this kind of virus.
So what went wrong? Why is the disease become so damaging? A possibility is the mutation of the virus. It mutated to a more virulent form and because most farmer do not vaccinate for swine influenza the sudden appearance of this mutated virus cost damage that is so swift.
Another possibility is that imported breeding hogs introduce a new virulent type of swine influenza in our country. This introduction of new virulent form cost the onslaught.
Treatment: Because it is a virus there is no treatment for this disease. The most practical to do with this type of cases is to give antibiotic to prevent secondary infection and give immune boosters to increase production of immunoglobulins that will combat the virus. Restrict access to farm, do not allow anyone to enter your farm except your helper and you. Keep the dogs, rat, chicken out of the pen.