ASF SCARE. Joint teams of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Philippine National Police and Quezon City government set up a checkpoint in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Thursday (Aug. 15, 2024). Authorities confirmed that hogs intercepted at one of the checkpoints tested positive for African swine fever. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The Bureau of Animal Industry confirmed on Friday that hogs intercepted at a checkpoint in Quezon City on Thursday tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Dante Palabrica said two trucks, transporting 87 and 14 hogs respectively, were flagged at a checkpoint in Mindanao Avenue.
Hogs from the first truck tested positive for ASF while those from the other truck showed clinical symptoms of the virus.
“The blood tests showed the hogs are positive for the ASF virus, so we have no choice but to condemn them and dispose of their carcass at the central burial site we have identified,” Palabrica said in a press release.
He said both trucks came from Sariaya, Quezon, and were on their way to Pangasinan.
The drivers of both trucks presented fake health certificates and shipping permits.
Meanwhile, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas confirmed that the ASF continues to spread in the province.
As of Friday, 352 hog farms in the towns of Lobo, Lipa, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, Talisay, San Juan, Tui, Balayan and Malvar have already been affected by the virus.
He asked the national government for immediate intervention.
“We cannot dilly dally kasi talagang mauubos yan (because it will kill them all) and it will spread,” Mandanas said.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said they have set aside 10,000 vaccines for Batangas. (PNA)
