Cebu 'remains ASF-free'amid death of 8 hogs

CEBU, Philippines —  A Capitol official has clarified that Cebu remains free from African Swine Fever (ASF) virus to date amid reports of the then unexplained death of eight hogs being transported to a slaughterhouse in Mandaue City from Negros last week.

Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy, provincial veterinarian, said the cause of death of the hogs from La Libertad town, Negros Oriental was “overcrowding.”

The eight were part of the total 130 hogs that were brought into Cebu from the neighboring island.

“Upon investigation, namatay ang mga baboy due to overcrowding during transport. Usually, ang cause ana kay heat stroke, cardiac arrest,” Vincoy said in a report of Sugbo News, the Capitol-run news portal.

The provincial veterinarian said that despite the coronavirus pandemic, her office, together with the Cebu Provincial Anti-African Swine Fever Task Force, continues to monitor the entry of pork and pork products into the province.

“Ang ako lang, we’re making statements kay there are some insinuations coming from the swine producers sa Luzon and Mindanao nga there is African Swine Fever sa Cebu. Until now, Cebu is ASF-free zone. We don’t have cases,” Vincoy said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Ventura, ASF coordinator of the Department of Agriculture-7, has advised all stakeholders to be vigilant on “chorizo de Davao” that are being sold online.

“It was reported that regional ASF task forces in Mindanao are jointly tracing private processors of chorizo products in Mindanao, following report that chorizo samples in Davao area tested positive for ASF,” Ventura’s advisory to different veterinary offices read.

NMIS Warning

The National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) also issued a public advisory on items being sold online like meats.

“In buying highly perishable food like meat, any inaccurate, false, or exaggerated presentation of facts may cause potential food safety hazard,” the advisory read.

Consumers are encouraged to buy meat from local stores “where they can actually see what they are buying.”

In case of online selling, consumers are advised to make sure that the meat supplier is licensed. The information can be verified through NMIS website: www.nmis.gov.ph.

NMIS said meats must be kept in cooler or insulated container to keep to avoid spoilage.

The meat must not have unusual odor and color like greenish or red spots. It must also be firm to touch when thawed.

“Do not buy imported meat without refrigeration, or those which are being sold where the meat are outside coolers/refrigerated,” NMIS’ advisory read.

Guidelines

The NMIS also issued a memorandum circular to all consumers and online sellers or traders of meat for their guidance.

The guidelines are intended for those selling meat online and household deliveries which may be considered as food business operators.

Online sellers of meat are recommended to register with the Department of Trade and Industry and must have business permit from the local government unit concerned.

The meat must come from NMIS-licensed meat establishments or LGU-registered supplier to ensure that it is safe and fit for human consumption. If imported, it must be sourced from a DA-accredited country or foreign meat establishment and DA-accredited cold storage warehouse (CSW).

Meat sold online shall be accompanied with either meat inspection certificate or certificate of meat inspection.

“Those without the aforementioned certificates shall be considered as ‘hot meat’ and are subject to NMIS enforcement activities,” the memorandum circular read.   JMD (FREEMAN)