August 20, 2024

Philippines' Department of Agriculture intercepts trucks suspected of transporting ASF-infected swine

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has intercepted two trucks suspected of transporting swine infected with African swine fever (ASF) at the outskirts of Metro Manila, GMA News reported.

Authorities halted one truck carrying 38 swine along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon city. A second truck, loaded with 11 swine, was stopped at a checkpoint in Malanday, Valenzuela city.

Upon inspection, one of the trucks was found to be using a recycled local shipping permit, while the other truck was transporting swine that displayed symptoms of ASF. The swine are currently undergoing testing for the disease.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry, Dante Palabrica, stated that additional checkpoints have been established in the northern and southern areas of Metro Manila to prevent the entry of ASF-infected swine into the national capital region.

He also noted that local government units, the DA-BAI, and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) are collaborating to ensure that the meat sold in the market is safe and clean.

 GMA News