July 24, 2024

Cebu, Philippines, tightens controls on pork amid ASF resurgence

The city government of Cebu, Philippines, has intensified enforcement against the entry of undocumented pork meat following the resurgence of the African swine fever (ASF) virus, an official said, Philippine News Agency reported.

Dr Alice Utlang, head of the Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), reported the confiscation of over 84 kg of swine carcass transported to a local market without a meat inspection certificate.

Utlang said that Bonbon is one of the barangays affected by ASF since March last year.

The confiscated meat originated from Alcantara town, southwest of Cebu province, with an estimated market value of PHP 11,760 (US$201).

This operation is part of the city's efforts to address the resurgence of the ASF virus. Seven blood samples from the mountain barangay of Bonbon, submitted to the Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Region VII (DA-RADDL 7), tested positive for ASF.

According to the report, seven swine in Bonbon died on July 14.

The city has alerted mountain barangay residents about this recent development.

The DVMF is closely monitoring meat and meat products in the city to ensure that those displayed in the market are safe for consumption.

-      Philippine News Agency