Pigs in QC barangay face culling if samples from carcasses test positive for ASF

The Quezon City Veterinary Department will cull all pigs in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City if samples taken from the dead pigs found in a stream test positive for African Swine Fever.

Quezon City Veterinarian Dr Ana Maria Cabel told GMA News that the three dead pigs and one pig head found in the stream had already been burned after samples were taken by the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Results are expected within two days to one week.

The incident happened days after the Department of Agriculture confirmed cases of African Swine Fever in the country.

The Quezon City Veterinary Department is now conducting 24-hour monitoring of all slaughterhouses and markets in the city.

Checkpoints have also been set up.

“Minomonitor namin yung lugar at nili-limit ang movement ng mga baboy. Hindi na kami magpalalabas ng baboy sa area kahit suspect pa lang (for ASF,)” Cabel said.

“Maaaring nagkasakit kasi may tali pa,” she added.

Cabel also said they are conducting daily monitoring of backyard piggeries in Bgy Bagong Silangan. There are 1,000 backyard piggeries in the area.

The checkpoints are also meant to prevent the transport of double dead meat or botcha.

“Ang manifestation ng ASF pati na rin ng ibang sakit ay nagiging purple ang balat. Ganundin pag namatay at di naalisan ng dugo. Magiging violet. Kaya wag bilhin ang baboy kapag walang balat o sobrang mura,” Cabel warned.

She advised the public that when buying meat, always look for a meat inspection certificate. —NB, GMA News