MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said that it has intercepted almost 500 hogs amid the country’s fight against the African swine fever (ASF).
This came amid the operations of DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)’s various checkpoints in Metro Manila, nearby provinces, and other strategic parts of the country put up since August.
“This operation is crucial in stopping the 'ping pong' movement of the ASF virus between the northern and southern regions of the country. We urge legitimate traders to ensure that all their transport documents are valid and compliant with regulations,” DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica said in a statement.
The DA said the interception includes hogs with symptoms of ASF and those with fake Certificates of Meat Inspection (COMI) and tampered manufacturing dates.
“Had the nearly 500 pigs made it past checkpoints, they could have reached key provinces such as Ilocos, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Cagayan, significantly worsening the ASF crisis and endangering public health,” the DA reported.
Meanwhile, 70 newly ASF-positive hogs were condemned on Friday following their seizure on Thursday along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.
As of Sept. 20, the BAI said barangays in 125 municipalities and 31 provinces were still classified as red zones.
The highest number of affected barangays are in North Cotabato with 127, Quezon with 97, and Batangas with 72. (PNA)
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