Trucks with ASF-infected hogs intercepted in Quezon City, Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines — Two more trucks believed to be transporting hogs infected with African swine fever or ASF were intercepted at checkpoints in Quezon City and Valenzuela, the Department of Agriculture reported yesterday.

DA Assistant Secretary for swine and poultry Dante Palabrica said the trucks were seized at checkpoints along Commonwealth Avenue and Malanday in Valenzuela.

Palabrica said 38 hogs were found in one of the trucks. The other truck was transporting 11 pigs.

He said one of the trucks used a recycled local shipping permit. The other was transporting pigs that showed clinical signs of ASF.

According to Palabrica, the pigs were subjected to ASF testing.

“BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) has increased the number of checkpoints in the National Capital Region to prevent the transport of sick pigs and chickens,” he said.

“Permits must be complete and genuine, otherwise, the animals will be immediately tested. If found positive for ASF, the hogs will be condemned,” Palabrica added.

He said local government units, the BAI and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) are working closely to ensure that meat products sold in Metro Manila markets are safe and clean.

“Meat that has the NMIS seal is safe to consume,” Palabrica said.

On Friday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said three trucks of hogs were intercepted at a checkpoint along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.

The hogs tested positive for ASF, he said.

The hogs came from Quezon province and were supposed to be brought to Pangasinan.