The Tagum City African Swine Fever Task Force during one of its meetings (Photo from Tagum City Facebook Page)
Tagum City –The city’s chief veterinarian has assured the public that the city is free from the dreaded African swine fever virus (ASF).
Dr. Jesus Edullantes, chief veterinarian of this city, said the ASF has not reached the city’s local hog industry.
He reminded the public to remain vigilant against the dreaded virus and to report any reported swine deaths they may have heard or encountered.
“We encourage the public to report deaths of any swine in the city and allow our office personnel to take samples to be tested,” he said.
The city government and the Department of Agriculture have formed a task force to ensure the heightened implementation of precautionary measures relative to food safety and food security in the city. The task force will implement the stringent inspection not only on the hog farms within the city but also in the meat sections of the markets to prevent the entry of ASF in the city.
This includes the regulation, or if needed, the prohibition of the importation of pork products from countries where the virus is prevalent, such as mainland China.
Although the virus has no effect on humans, it can spread rapidly among pigs as there are no known vaccines or treatment, severely affecting food production and security. (Rommel F. Lopez)