The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the Department of Agriculture’s recommendation to set up “proactive” measures against the new strain of G4-H1N1 or the swine flu virus.
This came after a new strain of the swine flu virus with “pandemic potential,” according to reports, was discovered in China.
IATF has agreed to set up interagency surveillance mechanisms to monitor swine farms and workers regularly exposed to pigs.
“[This] is a must,” IATF’s Resolution No. 52 read. “This effort shall be actively linked to global efforts to monitor the emergency disease,” it said.
The task force also endorsed further research on any emerging disease.
Concerned agencies, such as the health and agriculture departments, as well as the Bureau of Customs, were directed to “strictly implement” Republic Act No. 10611, or the the Food Safety Act of 2013, with priority to Section 12, item (b).
The law requires strict food inspection protocols. Imported food must undergo cargo inspection and clearance procedures by the health and agriculture departments at the first port of entry to determine compliance with national regulations. John Ezekiel J. Hirro