Seized canned meat from HK tested positive for ASF

MANILA, Philippines — The African swine fever (ASF) might slowly make its way to the country after confiscated meat products tested positive for the virus, prompting the government to further tighten its watch and avoid the spread of the disease to the billion-peso local hog industry.

A report by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry said the ASF viral gene has been detected in Sky Dragon pork luncheon meat that was brought by a returning resident from Hong Kong and was seized at the Clark International Airport.

Dr. Rachel Azul of the BAI- Virology Section said the viral DNA was isolated in the pork luncheon meat and was tested using the ASF Taqman PCR Assay at the Animal Disease and Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory.

Fortunately, no ASF infections have been reported in Philippine pigs to date.

“If these escaped and were fed to our pigs, it can be the cause of the disease and ruin our hog industry,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

“To those who are saying that we are just overreacting and those complaining of strict quarantine protocols, this is the proof that we are really facing danger (of this disease),” he said.

The detection of the virus in seized products does not change the country’s ASF-free status.

“The seizure is a warning for the industry and an acknowledgment of the catastrophic threat on our doorsteps. If introduced, ASF would have a significant impact on pig health and production and contribute to enormous economic losses,” Azul said.

The BAI procedure is one of two validated polymerase chain reaction procedures described by the World Organization for Animal Health Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals.

It is the same protocol that was adopted in 2012 as the regional protocol for ASF detection and is used in at least 10 countries in Asia.

Amid the latest development, the department is instituting more stringent measures to avoid the entry of the virus.

Piñol said President Duterte has approved the utilization of the quick response fund (QRF) for the emergency procurement of 20 units of x-ray machines which will be established in all international airports of the country to check agricultural products, especially meat, brought in by passengers.

About P130 million from the QRF will be utilized for the immediate purchase of the equipment and the implementation of additional safeguards against the entry of agricultural products through the airports.

This after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez endorsed the DA proposal, citing the need for the country to protect its borders from the disease.

“Sec. Dominguez also approved the installation of the meat and agri x-ray machines in the Customs area in all airports so that all hand carried and checked in baggages of incoming passengers, especially those coming from ASF-affected countries, could be checked,” Piñol said.

Quarantine laws prohibit the entry of meat, fisheries and horticulture products, including planting materials, if these are not covered by sanitary and phytosanitary permits.