HOT MEAT. Some parts of the pork meat from Alcantara, Cebu, confiscated on Friday (July 19, 2024) at the local market in Cebu City. Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries head Dr. Alice Utlang said they have intensified efforts to address the reported resurgence of African swine fever virus in the mountain barangay of Bonbon, Cebu City. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Alice Utlang)
CEBU CITY – The city government here has strengthened enforcement against entry of undocumented pork meat following the resurgence of the African swine fever (ASF) virus, an official said Friday.
Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), said they confiscated more than 84 kilos of pig carcass transported to a local market without a meat inspection certificate.
Utlang told the Philippine News Agency that Bonbon is among the barangays hit by ASF in March last year.
She said the meat came from Alcantara town, southwest of Cebu province, and is estimated to reach a market value of PHP11,760.
The operation was part of its effort to address the resurgence of the ASF virus, after seven blood samples from the mountain barangay of Bonbon submitted to the Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Region VII (DA-RADDL 7), tested positive for ASF.
Seven pigs in Bonbon died on July 14, according to the report.
The city has already alerted the mountain barangay residents about the recent development.
DVMF, she said, is closely monitoring meat and meat products in the city to ensure that those displayed in the market are safe to consume. (PNA)
