(PNA file photo)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Palaweños are being cautioned against purchasing pork meat online in order to prevent the further spread of the African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) issued this warning on Friday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the province's ASF-free status.
Dr. Darius Mangcucang, PVO officer-in-charge, said Palawan has managed to stay free of the livestock disease despite the latest National African Swine Fever Prevention and Control Program report showing active cases in different parts of the country.
He emphasized that residents play a crucial role in preserving the province's ASF-free status by refraining from purchasing processed pork meat products online or bringing them back as presents from their travels.
The concern arises from the difficulty in determining whether these products originate from "red zones," areas known to be affected by ASF.
"Let's refrain from bringing pork products during our vacations as it can be a potential source of the spread of ASF. We also prohibit the collection of pork food items from hotels by those who take care of pigs because we cannot guarantee their safety," he said.
The ASF infection has been detected in 58 municipalities across 16 provinces in nine regions of the country, he said.
He said that preserving Palawan's ASF-free status requires constant efforts from the provincial government, PVO, local government units, veterinary officers, Barangay Biosecurity Officers, and other concerned agencies.
These agencies have been instructed to actively collaborate in the campaign against ASF to ensure the economic stability of the swine industry in Palawan.
Mangcucang said that while ASF does not pose a direct threat to human health, it can have significant economic implications.
The virus spreads through various means, including direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated feed or garbage, and transmission through ticks or other vectors.
To combat the spread of the ASF, Palawan has implemented several measures such as strict regulation of pig movement and the monitoring of live pigs, pork products, and processed pork entering or leaving the province.
Blood collection, surveillance, and the presence of quarantine personnel at ports and airports are also part of these efforts, said the PVO head.
Educational forums and seminars have likewise been conducted to increase awareness and knowledge about ASF.
Mangcucang the public to report suspected cases of pig sickness to the PVO or the Municipal Agriculture Office. (PNA)
