Author : Olana, Kenny Oriel Aranas

Summary : The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of antibody against PRRS virus in pigs raised by backyard and small-hold farmers in Leyte Province. A total of 384 pigs were sampled and their sera were tested for PRRS antibody using ELISA. A questionnaire-interview was also conducted to identify risk factors associated to the seroprevalence of PRRS infection and evaluate the farmer's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) towards control and prevention of PRRS. Results of the study showed that the seroprevalence of PRRS in backyard pigs in Leyte is 0.25% ± 0.0051% and there were no risk factors identified. However, using the log transformed S/P ratios as the dependent variable, significant association was found in the following variables: the breed of pig, Large White (ß = 0.224, p = 0.0014), the presence of domestic animals particularly goat (ß = -0.630, p < 0.0001), disposing wastes to bodies of water (ß = 0.269, p < 0.0001), and separating sick animals (ß = 0.336, p < 0.0001) which is the variable that most likely to influence the S/P ratio. Swine raisers in Leyte have poor knowledge on PRRS but they have good attitudes towards the control and prevention of PRRS. Nevertheless, they have poor practices. Education and the number of years of experience in raising pigs seem to have an important role in the knowledge and practices of the farmers. Information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns on PRRS can be a very helpful tool to educate small-hold and backyard farmers and improve their knowledge and practices on economically important swine diseases.