The city government of Borongan, Eastern Samar is temporarily halting the slaughtering of hogs in the city from April 4 to 18 - but not because of Holy Week.
Following reports that three samples collected from the pig farm owned by the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Barangay Maypangdan tested positive for the African swine fever (ASF) virus, the city government has ordered the suspension of certain pork-related activities.
Under an executive order issued by Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, the slaughtering of pigs inside the city is prohibited, except for personal consumption.
Public markets and business establishments are not allowed to sell fresh pork and roasted pigs, as well as pork-derived products such as longganisa and chorizo.
Checkpoints have also been set up at Borongan City's northern and southern borders following the detection of ASF cases.
Those engaged in the distribution of frozen pork are permitted only if the seller presents a Certificate of Meat Inspection indicating that the pork was sourced from ASF-free areas as declared by the city veterinary office.
All pig farms are directed to implement and complete massive disinfection on their respective farms during the pork holiday to prevent further contamination. Transport or movement of live pigs from one village to another is also prohibited.
Meat inspectors, or livestock inspectors, are directed to intensify post-abattoir inspection activities with the assistance of law enforcement agencies.
Local authorities will confiscate unauthorized pork and pork products or revoke business permits of violators, who will also be meted with administrative fines as stipulated under the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.
(With report and photo courtesy from PNA)
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