14 lechon shops in La Loma closed

MANILA, Philippines — With only a few weeks before Christmas, the Quezon City government has ordered the temporary closure of 14 lechon stores in La Loma after several hogs tested positive for African swine fever or ASF.

The local government said the testing was part of the routine inspection conducted by the City Veterinary Department on lechon establishments ahead of the Christmas season.

“During the inspection, it was discovered that some pigs tested positive for African swine fever, prompting a recommendation to cull the animals to prevent the spread of the disease,” city hall said in Filipino.

“As a result, the Quezon City business permits and licensing department issued a temporary closure order on 14 lechon stalls on Wednesday night, in accordance with the recommendation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, City Veterinary Department and City Health Department,” it added.

The city assured the public that ASF cases remain isolated in the area and that there is no threat in other markets.

It also stressed that the ASF virus cannot be transmitted to humans.

“The disinfection process has begun in the affected areas in La Loma. The local government has also set up checkpoints to control the movement of pigs to and from La Loma,” the city government said.

“The local government is now assisting business owners to ensure that lechon establishments comply with health and safety protocols, so they can resume offering high-quality food to the public,” it added.