La Loma lechon stores declared ASF-free

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday announced that the 14 lechon establishments in La Loma that were earlier ordered temporarily closed are now free from the African swine fever or ASF virus.

In a statement, the city government said three of the establishments were given lifting orders, allowing them to reopen.

The other establishments are also receiving assistance to ensure compliance with regulations of the City Health Department and the City Veterinary Department.

“Following the issuance of temporary closure orders on Nov. 13, the establishments conducted daily disinfection for one week… This was done in compliance with the memorandum of the Bureau of Animal Industry,” city hall said.

“Aside from disinfection, the 14 establishments were required to follow the necessary sanitary, safety and health protocols... The local government will continue to assist business owners to ensure that all would comply with protocols and maintain the high quality of products coming from La Loma,” it added.

The city earlier issued the temporary closure order to 14 establishments after several hogs tested positive for ASF. It assured the public that ASF cases were isolated in the area and that there was no threat in other markets.