Adopted: 22 July 2014
Date Filed: 01 August 2014

WHEREAS, there are reported cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan gravely threatening their swine industry due to huge losses in swine population;

WHEREAS, PED has been diagnosed in the Philippines since 2006 and recently, there are reported outbreaks of the disease in some backyard and commercial farms in the country particularly in Regions III and IV;

WHEREAS, there were many field cases of non-specific diarrhea reported in the Philippine Animal Health Information System (PhilAHIS) during the past year;

WHEREAS, the disease can occur as a mixed infection with other swine diseases such as Rotavirus, Hog Cholera or Classical Swine Fever, and Porcine Circovirus 2;

WHEREAS, there is a pressing need to adopt measures to prevent the further occurrence and spread of PED to protect the swine industry;

NOW THEREFORE, I, PROCESO J. ALCALA, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law do hereby adopt and institute the following measures recommended by the National Committee on Animal Disease Control and Emergency (NAC-ADCE) in coordination with the PED Control Program Team Management Committee for observance and guidance of all concerned:

1. Report immediately within 24 hours all suspect PED cases to the concerned Local Government Veterinarians (Province/City/Municipal), Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Health Coordinator and/or the Chief of the Animal Health Division, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for prompt disease investigation and institution of control measures. Clinical signs for suspect PED cases are as follows:

a) Watery diarrhea, vomiting or soft feces in newly-born piglets
b) Rapid spread of diarrhea and vomiting in 80-90% of newly-farrowed litters
c) 80% mortality rate in affected piglets

2. Submit samples from suspect PED cases to the Philippine Animal Health Center (PAHC) of the BAI or to the nearest DA-Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) for laboratory diagnosis. Guidance on sample collection will be provided by the PVO, DARFO, BAI and Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP). All veterinarians of local government units and concerned officers of the DA Regional Field Offices (DARFOs) are also required to submit samples.

3. Intensify the implementation of strict farm biosecurity measures, particularly:

a) Thorough cleaning and proper disinfection procedures
b) Good hygiene and sanitation
c) Maintenance of footbaths and vehicle baths
d) Movement control of farm workers and non-farm personnel
e) Control of astray animals, birds, rodents and flies

4. Vaccinate healthy pigs using only BAI-registered vaccines in previously affected farms to prevent recurrence of the disease. Veterinarians of local government units are advised to strongly encourage this practice.

Smuggled/illegal vaccines should not be patronized as their handling and quality is oftentimes questionable. Their use might introduce other infectious organisms and toxic substances that could lead to greater health problems and financial loss, as well as the danger and deleterious effects it might cause to public health and safety.

Promotion of the strengthening of animal health programs for other swine diseases (e.g. Classical Swine Fever, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) is strongly advised.

All concerned are enjoined to support and participate in the prevention and control of the spread of PED with the end in view of protecting and strengthening our swine industry, a vital component of the livestock industry, in general.

Administrative orders, circulars, memoranda and all other issuances which are inconsistent with this advisory shall be repealed or amended accordingly.

This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. The University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center ™s Office of National Administrative Register shall be provided a copy of this Circular.

(SGD) PROCESO J. ALCALA
Secretary