The Bureau of Animal Industry on Tuesday said hogs from one of two trucks intercepted at livestock checkpoints in Quezon City and Valenzuela City Saturday tested positive of the African swine fever.
The BAI said the 11 hogs carried by one of the trucks showed signs of ASF infection even before the blood tests were conducted.
The pigs were condemned and buried in a central burial site as part of the disease containment measures. Laboratory results were released on August 18.
Meantime, a total 38 hogs carried by another truck tested negative of the disease. The BAI had them slaughtered immediately.
The BAI has heightened surveillance efforts to stop the transport of sick animals. Checkpoints have been set up in the northern and southern parts of the National Capital Region as disease control measures.
Agriculture assistant secretary for Swine and Poultry, Constante Palabrica, a veterinarian, reiterated that all permits must be valid and that animals showing any signs of illness will undergo testing. ASF remains a serious threat to the swine industry.
The DA-BAI continues to enforce stricter quarantine measures to protect both farmers and consumers. The DA urges hog traders and transporters to comply with regulations to avoid further spread of ASF and protect the nation’s swine industry.
