MANILA, Philippines — At least 70 hogs infected with African swine fever (ASF) were intercepted at a checkpoint along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City as part of the government’s ongoing campaign to stop the spread of the virus.
The Bureau of Animal Industry said the shipment was stopped on Sept. 26 as the pigs showed clear clinical signs of ASF, with some already dead.
According to BAI, the hogs tested positive for ASF and were scheduled to be condemned yesterday.
The BAI added that at least 500 ASF-infected pigs across the country have been seized since the establishment of checkpoints last month.
Meat products found with forged certificates of meat inspection and tampered manufacturing dates were also confiscated.
The shipments were supposed to be delivered to various areas in the country, including Ilocos, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan and Cagayan.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for swine and poultry Constante Palabrica cited the importance of the checkpoints, which operate around the clock to prevent the further spread of ASF across regions.
“This operation is crucial in stopping the ‘ping pong’ movement of the ASF virus between the northern and southern regions of the country. We urge legitimate traders to ensure that all their transport documents are valid and compliant with regulations. Let us work together to protect the animal industry and safeguard the livelihood of Filipino farmers,” Palabrica said.
Palabrica added that aside from hogs, inspections are being conducted on chicken shipments to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.