The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Tuesday said some hogs from one of the two trucks stopped at the outskirts of Metro Manila on August 17 have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).
In a statement, the DA-BAI said laboratory results, released August 18, found that 11 hogs carried by one of the intercepted trucks tested positive for ASF.
The DA said the 11 hogs already showed clinical signs of ASF infection even before the blood tests were conducted.
Authorities intercepted one truck carrying 38 pigs along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, while another checkpoint stopped another truck loaded with 11 hogs in Malanday, Venezuela City.
The 11 hogs, which tested positive for the disease, were condemned and buried in a central burial site as part of the disease containment measures.
Meanwhile, the other 38 pigs carried by the other truck tested negative for ASF.
The DA-BAI said it allowed the hogs that tested negative for the swine flu to be slaughtered immediately.
The agency said it has heightened surveillance efforts to stop the transport of sick animals.
It added that checkpoints have been set up in the northern and southern parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) as disease control measures.
For his part, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica said all permits must be valid and animals showing any signs of illness will undergo testing.
During inspections, one of the trucks was found to be using a recycled local shipping permit while the other truck was transporting hogs that showed symptoms of ASF.
The DA-BAI said ASF remains a serious threat to the swine industry.
The agency said it continues to enforce stricter quarantine measures to protect both farmers and consumers.
Hog traders and transporters were urged to comply with regulations to avoid further spread of ASF and protect the nation’s swine industry. —KBK, GMA Integrated News
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