(Eagle News) – Most of the pig blood samples sent by the Department of Agriculture to a laboratory in Europe for testing were found to be positive for African Swine Fever.
The blood samples sent to a laboratory in United Kingdom for confirmatory testing were from the pigs that mysteriously died recently in Luzon.
Fourteen of the 20 blood samples sent for laboratory testing were positive for ASF, according to the agriculture department in a press briefing Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.
But Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that the infection of pigs in the country has now been largely contained as the DA had even increased the level of quarantine in the country.
Before the press conference, the DA conducted a boodle fight featuring pork dishes to show the public that pork in the country is still safe to eat.
Dar said that containing the spread of the African Swine Fever should involve the whole community.
“Talagang mahirap itong i-contain kung walang participation ng komunidad,” he said when asked about the chances of totally eradicating ASF in the country.
“Tulong-tulong dapat. Otherwise, this will be a lingering issue,” he added.
Dar said that Filipinos should not buy nor bring into the country canned meat products from countries where there is African Swine Fever.
He said that the potential source could be wastes from hotels and restaurants, as well as those who have entered the country with canned meat products from countries affected by ASF.
Dar said that even those smuggling pork products could be a potential source of ASF.
But the DA tried to assure the public that pigs approved for selling in the country’s markets have passed meat inspection and are considered safe for public consumption.