By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
The Quezon City government has temporarily shut down 14 lechon stores in La Loma after some pigs tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).
In a statement Thursday, the city government said that this was discovered during the regular monitoring of food establishments conducted by the City Veterinary Department (CVD) and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Wednesday.
“Natuklasan na may mga baboy na nagpositibo sa African Swine Fever kaya’t inirekomenda na isailalim sa culling ang mga baboy upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” the statement read.
The city’s Business Permits and Licensing Department issued the Temporary Closure Orders on Wednesday evening, based on the recommendation of the BAI, CVD, and the City Health Department.
The city government, however, maintained that this is an isolated case, stressing that disinfection and checkpoint measures are underway to mitigate the spread of the disease.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease among pigs but poses no risk to humans.
“Nagsimula na ang proseso ng disinfection sa mga apektadong lugar sa La Loma. Nagtalaga din ng checkpoints ang lokal na pamahalaan upang kontrolin ang paggalaw ng mga baboy mula at papasok sa La Loma,” it said.
The city government said a dialogue was also held with the affected business owners on Thursday to discuss health, safety, and operational concerns.
“The city government committed to assisting affected establishments and ensuring that they follow health and safety protocols so they can resume operations and continue offering quality products to the public,” it said.
Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain vigilant and discerning when purchasing food products to safeguard their health and welfare.
