Kinumpirma ng Department of Agriculture (DA) na nag-positibo sa African swine fever ang de latang meat products ng isang overseas Filipino worker na lumapag kamakailan sa Clark International Airport.
Ayon kay Agriculture Sec. Manny Pi̱ol, lumabas sa pagsusuri ng Bureau of Animal Industry РVirology Section na positibo sa naturang sakit ang canned goods ng OFW na galing Hong Kong.
“The African Swine Fever (ASF) viral gene has been detected in confiscated canned goods brought from overseas (Hongkong) by a returning resident in March 25, 2019 at the Clark International Airport in Clarkfield, Pampanga.”
“The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said the viral DNA was isolated in pork luncheon meat and was tested using the ASF Taqman PCR Asssay at the ADDRL.”
Sa kabila nito tiniyak ng kalihim na malaya pa rin mula sa ASF ang Pilipinas dahil wala pa namang naiuulat na mga baboy na nagkasakit nito.
“The detection of the virus in seized products does not change Philippine’s African Swine Fever-free status.”
“The seizure is a warning for the industry and an acknowledgment of the catastrophic threat on our doorsteps.”
“If introduced, ASF would have a significant impact on pig health and production and contribute to enormous economic losses.”
