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BIOSECURITY PRACTICES AGAINST AND READINESS OF BACKYARD PIG FARMERS FOR AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN HUNGDUAN, IFUGAO, PHILIPPINES
1  Ifugao State University – Hapao Campus, Hungduan, Ifugao 3603, Philippines
Academic Editor: Jalil Ghassemi Nejad

Abstract:

African Swine Fever (ASF) remains a serious threat to the swine production in the Philippines; this affects backyard farmers due to limited access to veterinary services and inadequate biosecurity practices. This study assessed the level of ASF awareness, existing biosecurity practices, and outbreak preparedness among backyard swine raisers in Hungduan, Ifugao. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 78 farmers through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and on-site observations. The results showed that while African Swine Fever (ASF) awareness reached 100%, only 22% had received formal training. Key biosecurity practices such as regular disinfection (38%), quarantine areas (13%), and rodent control (14%) were poorly implemented. Remarkably, 36% of respondents continued swill feeding, a high-risk practice for ASF transmission. Despite these gaps, 82% of farmers expressed willingness to adopt improved biosecurity measures if training and support were provided. Chi-square tests showed significant association between a farmer's educational attainment and their practice of swill feeding, while there is no significant association between education and rodent control, or occupation and quarantine practice. The findings stress the urgent need for targeted educational interventions, localized veterinary services, and community-based disease surveillance to strengthen ASF prevention and control strategies in rural backyard settings.

Keywords: African Swine Fever; Backyard swine farming; Biosecurity; Disease preparedness; Ifugao.

 
 
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