DE VERA, REINALYN C.

12 ABM

Chapter 2

Introduction

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is the defining global health crisis of

our time and the greatest challenge we have faced since World War Two. We have

now reached the tragic milestone of one million deaths, and the human family is

suffering under an almost intolerable burden of loss. the pandemic is much more

than a health crisis, it's also an unprecedented socio-economic crisis. Stressing

every one of the countries it touches, it has the potential to create devastating social,

economic and political effects that will leave deep and longstanding scars. Every

day, people are losing jobs and income, with no way of knowing when normality will

return. The crisis caused by the extraordinary measures being taken in many

countries may affect the development of pig production. It is important to emphasize

that in the midst of the problems caused by COVID-19 we must not lower our

prevention measures against other pathologies common to the pig sector, such as

ASF (Anprogapor, 2020). Pork is still widely available on grocery shelves in the

Philippines, but the industry is fending off problems brought about by the coronavirus
and African Swine Fever. The Department of Agriculture said that the 8-day surplus

level may not be comfortable enough for some raisers. Agriculture Secretary William

Dar earlier admitted that pork supply “remains challenge”, but they are working on

increasing production to address the possible shortage (Rivas, 2020). At a time

when European supply is stabilizing and Asian demand is strong, the key variable of

the pork market favor high prices. However, logistical difficulties increasing foreign

markets and labor shortages in slaughterhouses are hampering demand. Organizing

work crews is becoming increasingly difficult. Faced with threats of staff shortages

and restrictions on movement, piggeries are running short on manpower. In the

coming months, the pig market will be influenced on the one hand by global supply

and demand driving high prices, and on the other hand by COVID-19 still rather

unpredictably disturbing consumer behavior, access to market. In the first half of

2020, the supply of pork will remain stable or even slightly higher due to an increase

carcass weight (Freese, 2020). The habits in confinement may prove advantageous

for supporting pork consumption; as pork products find their place in economical

dishes prepared at home. In the long-term, the crisis could also lead to seemingly

contradictory effects on consumer habits. On the one hand, the new habits gradually

adopted by consumers during the crisis could become permanent. These would

impact distribution methods at the expenses of physical outlets and the supply of
prepared meals and processed products as opposed to fresh meat. The strong

economic impact of the health crisis affects the purchasing power of consumers and

price could play an important role as a key factor in purchasing power of consumers

and price could play an important role as a key factor in purchasing products (2020).

Effluent and manure by-products generated in a piggery are valuable sources of water,

nutrients and organic matter. You are required to re-use by-products in ways that will

not harm the environment. You should construct effluent ponds to industry standards

and ensure that effluent re-use does not damage soil. Establish composting sites with

good surface drainage that pose no risk of run-off to water sources. Take safety

precautions when working with potentially dangerous effluent storages (2020).

Prevention (1st Concept)

Cautious times call for cautious measures and that’s never been more apparent

than now, with the COVID-19 coronavirus impacting people around the globe.

Although there is no evidence that COVID-19 can infect pigs, the highly contagious

virus has made the protection of farm workers an absolute necessity for their safety

and because these employees are essential in keeping the food industry viable (Pig

Site, 2020).
 The following protocols are implemented for farm across the globe and

encourages other farms to evaluate and implement recommendations to reduce

COVID-19 impacts.

1. Keep all non-essential visitors off the farm. Fewer people means less risk.

Keep it to the bare minimum of individuals coming into the farm.

2. 14-day quarantine after going through an airport. If air travel is necessary,

comply with at 2-week quarantine before returning farm/office.

3. Drive to the farm. If visitors are necessary, only allow visitors that can

drive to the farm (not air travelers) to prevent exposure from airport

travel.

4. Stagger your break and lunch times; avoid having too many people

congregate in one area.

5. Order extra supplies of essentials if possible. “we don’t know how long

this pandemic will last and we don’t know which items could be back-

ordered as a result”.

6. Communicate often with staff. Continue to communicate with staff and

provide examples to offer assurances that all precautions are taken.

 7. Strictly follow all biosecurity procedures and protocols. Now is the time

to tighten up all biosecurity measures.

8. Clean and disinfect ‘high touch’ surfaces daily such as tables,

hardbacked chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks,

toilets, sinks.

9. Keep clothing and towels clean. Wash and disinfect clothing and towels

as well as clothing hampers.

10. Avoid hand-to-hand contact. Don’t shake hands to minimize the risk of

spread and wear gloves for activities where contact might occur (The

Pig Site, 2020).

Shortages (2nd Concept)

Philippine pork production is expected to decline by double digits in 2020, as

African swine fever continues to spread. Imports of pork are likely to increase as

demand recovers from the decline seen at the end of 2019. According to GAIN report

from the United States Department of Agriculture, pork production in the Philippines is

expected to drop about 10 percent in 2020 as African swine fever continues to spread

throughout the country, both in Luzon and more recently in Mindanao. Pork demand is

expected to normalize from drop in late 2019. Consumers had the initial spread of the
disease, but demand has since recovered. Slaughter rates dropped in 2019 because of

low farm gate prices and weak pork demand, which contributed to a decline in 2019

swine meat production. Farm gate prices during the last quarter of 2019 dropped below

the cost of production and many commercial farms delayed slaughter until retail prices

of pork began to recover (2020).

Demand Driving High Prices (3 rd Concept)

Nowhere in the pig industry the coronavirus (Covid-19) appears hit harder

than in the processing and food supply side of the business. Worldwide COVID-19 is

having an impact on pig and pork prices, leading to uncertainty. Hog raisers said pork

prices climbed beyond P300 per kilogram in Metro Manila due to lack of supply in

Luzon, as 40 percent of the sow population nationwide is gone. The pig industry had

been suffering from COVID-19 crisis in various ways. Mostly the markets have gone

upside down (2020). The virus had unforeseen impacts on meat plant workers and plant

capacity, and on supplies. Lockdown policies and application of health measures for

workers in response to COVID-19 were affecting the demand for, and supply of pork.

The global pig price and pork market was, on the edge of a turning point. In the last 3

months, as the spread of COVID-19 has worsened. The turning point has arrived. Some

piggery business had been hit by the spread of virus in their workforce, and this made in
inevitable that the downward pressure on global pig prices would increase. Unless a

vaccine “miracle” is found in the next few months we can expect low and lower prices of

pigs and meat (Yan, 2020).

Study of Waste Water Management (1st Study)

Several measures can improve water safety. These include: protecting the

source water; treating water at the point of distribution, collection or consumption; and

ensuring that treated water is safely stored at home and business in regularly cleaned

and covered containers. Such measures can be effectively planned, implemented and

monitored using water safety plans. In addition, for effective water treatment, water

utility managers can adopt several other preventive measures, as part of a broader

water-safety planning approach. These measures include: ensuring adequate stocks of

chemical additives and consumable reagents for water-quality testing, ensuring that

critical spare parts, fuel and contractors can still be accessed and that there are

contingency plans for staff and training to maintain the required supply of safe drinking

water. Water utilities personnel should be briefed on COVID-19 preventive measures.

They may wear masks according to global recommendations (32) and depending on

local government mask use policy, they may respect physical distancing between

workers and with the public, and practice and hygiene frequently. In places where
centralized water treatment and safe piped water supplies are not available, a number

of household water treatment technologies are effective in removing or destroying

viruses. These include: boiling or using high performing ultrafiltration or nanomembrane

filters, solar irradiation and, in non-turbid waters, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and

appropriately dosed chlorine products such as sodium hypochlorite and NaDCC (WHO).

Research is underway in many countries to detect noninfective viral fragments of

SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and sludge. Similar methods have been successfully used

in the polio eradication program to detect virus circulation in the population including

among asymptomatic cases, and thereby complementing surveillance in humans.

Further research and capacity building are needed on the analytical methods

(particularly for settings with low sewerage coverage), modelling, interpretation of data

to inform decision making and public health actions. Surveillance of COVID-19 in

wastewater and sludge may compliment public health data and provide, for example,

information on when cases may spike 5-7 days in advance of such spikes being

detected by health facilities and health authorities. (14) Environmental surveillance

should not be used as a substitute for robust surveillance of COVID-19 cases. In

addition, the primary aim of governments, utilities and investments should focus on

continuity and expanding safely managed sanitation services to protect against COVID-

19 and a number of other infectious diseases. Effluent and manure by-products

generated in a piggery are valuable sources of water, nutrients and organic matter. You

are required to re-use by-products in ways that will not harm the environment.

You should construct effluent ponds to industry standards and ensure that effluent re-

use does not damage soil. Establish composting sites with good surface drainage that

pose no risk of run-off to water sources. Take safety precautions when working with

potentially dangerous effluent storages (WHO).

Study of Implementing of Safety Protocols (2nd Study)

Due to ongoing coronavirus crisis, many business are seeking bankruptcy

protection or worse closing their doors permanently. They’re everywhere: Signs

indicating that retailers are “going out of business” or holding “everything must go”, store

closing sales. Thereafter many states declared stay-at-home orders with exceptions for

essential workforce personnel, including swine industry employees. As pork producers

across the Philippines continue to demonstrate their commitment to the We Care ethical

principles each and everyday it is important to stay informed about COVID-19. Pig

farmers doing the right thing to protect people, pigs, and the planet continue, even

during this challenging time. The current recommendations include stay home when you

or others around you are sick and wearing a mask to protect others in your community.
 The National Pork Board recommend several key practices to reduce the

risk of contracting COVID-19.

1. Avoid close contact wit people who are sick.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Cover your cough.

4. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use

an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap

and water are not available.

5. Remember that older people with severe chronic conditions should take

special precautions because they are higher risk of developing serious

COVID-19 illness.

It is necessary to inform all workers about the disease situation, about preventive

measures to avoid spreading the virus, and about the importance of their health

for proper operation of the farm. It is important to use information from official

sources. Consult the appropriate authorities in your country. Informative posters

 should be placed in view of the workers with information regarding the disease

and hygienic-sanitary measures.

Synthesis

In this study you will learn a lot of things like how you can stay healthy while

caring for animals or run a piggery company. Because of this pandemic, you will have a

doubt in running your business. In this study, you will notice some protocols that you

need to follow to be able to have a safe and healthy business. Some piggeries are

dropping into bankruptcy. And in this study, you will know some water waste

management. Pork prices are rising due to shortages. And pig prices are falling due to

shortages and lower demands.

The rapid spread of recent coronavirus (COVID-19) affects or has affected the

daily life of virtually everybody on planet. Just when you thought the global swine

industry has faced a health crisis that hasn’t had it’s equal in history with African Swine

Fever, at the moment a new virus pops up taking over global news headlines, but for

entirely different reasons. Worldwide, human decided it was time to standstill in order to

keep the effects of COVID-19 as small as possible. The indirect effects of those

measures are only bit by bit protruding. Around the world, any business is really
affected. They turn to bankruptcy because they are not able to sustain the healthy

protocols. In this study, you will know what protocols you need to implement while your

running piggeries. You can also know in this research on how you can take care of

yourself and move away in the risk of pandemic.

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