8.3 Biosecurity in scavenging pig production systems
The implementation of biosecurity measures in scavenging pig production
systems is usually constrained by the producers’ limited capacity to
invest resources and time, and by the nature of scavenging pig
production (FAO, 2010). In scavenging systems, measures related to
introduction of new piglets from unknown sources, monitoring the health
status and unusual deaths of scavenger pigs, particularly regarding
diseases of concern, should be given prime attention. Sometimes, a
farmer may prefer to sell disease suspected animals to slaughter houses
rather than undertaking control measures. The marketing of sick animals
under scavenging rearing is a serious disease risk as these incubating
or excreting sick animals disseminate disease very quickly to the
healthy herd. Besides, practice of feeding untreated pig swill must be
strictly avoided which has been practised for centuries in most of the
developing and poor countries. Any unusual death of pigs should be
immediately reported to veterinarians to know the biosecurity measures,
proper disposal of animals and disinfection of farm and premises. Even
if disinfection is unlikely to be practicable, cleaning of night
shelters/enclosures and equipment must be emphasized (FAO, 2010).
However, considering the biosecurity and socio-economic importance of
pig farming in India, the practice of scavenging rearing should be
prohibited to prevent contact with other domestic pigs, wildlife,
rodents, birds and other livestock which creates favourable conditions
for infectious disease spread.