Philippines: W. Visayas LGUs urged to stay vigilant on the entry of processed meat

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is calling on local government units (LGUs) in Region 6 or the Western Visayas region to remain vigilant on the entry of processed meat products that could be possible carriers of the African swine fever (ASF) virus. DA-6 Regional Executive Director, Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo in an interview said that while there are ASF cases in the region, there is still a need to protect the provinces of Antique and Negros Occidental which remain free from the animal disease. “Even if we have ASF we still have to be vigilant, especially against the processed foods that enter our region, which is very hard to control. We are fervently requesting the participation of LGUs to be on top in implementing our biosecurity protocols,” he said. Barrogo said processed foods that are shipped to the region should have documents to prove that they came from ASF-free areas. While big companies are compliant with protocols, the close watch has to be directed to ...