SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (PROVET) enjoined sellers both in stores and online as well the consumers to be vigilant against African swine fever (ASF) virus.
During the PIA radio program, DTI-Antique supervising trade and industry development specialist Engr. Lynna Joy Cardinal said the public’s vigilance could mean a lot to protect the swine industry in the province.
Florencio Macuja, the provincial veterinarian, called on the local officials to be alert and watchful of the vendors or merchants in their barangay or municipality to ensure unscrupulous traders are apprehended.
According to Cardinal, the recent confiscation of pork products in one municipality here violates the Provincial Ordinance 2020-242 or the African Swine Fever Prevention and Control Ordinance, noting that the said products are from areas affected by ASF in Luzon.
“As a member of the ASF task force, monitoring of processed pork products and products containing pork is under our jurisdiction,” she said.
With that, they conduct regular monitoring of stores and public markets with the support of the Business Counselors from the Negosyo Centers provincewide.
Macuja, on the other hand, vowed that all confiscations are properly documented and issued with a certificate of confiscation, and the products seized will be disposed of.
On swill feeding, the authorities don’t recommend swill feeding for this could carry the virus to the pig farms or backyard pens.
However, for those who cooked locally grown veggies and cereals for feeds, Macuja said it could be applied to reduce the cost of feeds, but kitchen wastes should not be included.
Since Western Visayas and Antique, in particular, remain ASF-free, sellers and consumers should be vigilant to prevent the entry of the virus in the province and to protect the swine industry here.
Though ASF does not affect humans, the multi-million hog industry here will be at stake if the authorities and the people get lenient in the implementation of Provincial Ordinance 2020-242, according to Cardinal.(PIA/PN)
