‘Quezon City lechon ASF-free’

MANILA, Philippines — Roasted pigs from accredited Quezon City stores are safe, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said after 14 La Loma shops selling lechon were shut down due to African swine fever or ASF.

“Consumers are reminded to buy pork and pork products from accredited establishments and to follow standard food safety practices,” the BAI said over the weekend.

Local government units, hog raisers, traders, slaughterhouses and retailers should enforce strict biosecurity measures, prohibit feeding swill containing pork products as well as disinfect vehicles and equipment, the BAI said.

Unusual pig deaths should be reported immediately to contain the spread of ASF, according to the agency.

Last week, the Department of Agriculture (DA) directed attached agencies, including the BAI, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and National Meat Inspection Service, to intensify inspection of facilities and verification of compliance with storage and labeling requirements.

The DA also introduced an ASF regionalization scheme to recognize disease-free zones in accredited exporting countries, following standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Under the new rules, only DA-accredited countries can apply for ASF regionalization, with exporting countries required to submit detailed reports on ASF surveillance, control measures and boundaries of disease-free areas.