CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 and the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for African Swine Fever (ASF) harmonizes its operational plan on ASF prevention and preparedness in a meeting, this city.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and chair of the task force appeals to consumers to refrain from bringing to Region 10, pork and its by-products from ASF affected areas.
Collado’s call is in line with the confirmed ASF cases in some areas in Region 11 and 12 which is bounded by the province of Bukidnon.
The increasing online selling of pork by-products which include chorizo, longganisa, kekiam, tocino among others, raises concern among the task force member agencies in ensuring food safety from its origin.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) reminded the public to ensure products sold online are coming from registered manufacturers.
Similarly, the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) issued a Public Advisory to all consumers buying meat online.
For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla said there is a need to prepare on ASF cases, come up with specific guidelines and mechanisms to implement the orders.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Offices of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental provided updates on the status of ASF prevention and preparedness in their respective areas.
Other important topics discussed include, ASF Philippine zoning status, border protection and movement of commodities and biosecurity of swine farms. (DA10/PIA10)
