Horse meat downs 70 more in Kudarat

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – At least 70 more residents of Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat have been reportedly confined in a hospital after allegedly eating horse meat, officials said yesterday.

The latest cases brought to more than 100 the total number of victims of food poisoning over the past four days, said Nestor Casador, chief of the province’s agriculture office.

Casador said Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu has sent a team to investigate an alleged viral disease believed to be affecting the town’s farm animals.

Of the more than 100 victims, four have died and a majority is still under observation at the provincial hospital in Isulan town.

Earlier reports said the victims vomited and complained of stomach pain and diarrhea after eating horse meat in Barangay Tinalon on Wednesday.

Municipal health officer Maricris Idio said more victims were rushed to the municipal hospital, but they have to transfer those in serious condition to the provincial hospital.

Veterinarians expressed belief the horse’s meat might have been infected with a viral disease that caused the food poisoning.