The Department of Health today reiterated that the African Swine Fever (ASF) is not a risk to human health after the Department of Agriculture recently confirmed the presence of ASF in some pork products that they tested.
“We want to dispel the fears of consumers by reiterating that, as long as pork and pork products are bought from reliable sources and are cooked thoroughly, pork meat and products are safe to eat,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stressed.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health, ASF is a severe and highly contagious viral disease among domestic and wild pigs only. Pigs infected with the ASF virus experience high fever, depression, loss of appetite, redness of ears, abdomen, and legs, vomiting, and diarrhea that may lead to death.
“We want to emphasize again to the consuming public that ASF is not a threat to human health. Processed meat products are still safe for consumption,” the Health Chief concluded.
