Filtered By: Topstories
News

DOH advises public to cook pork thoroughly amid ASF


The Department of Health (DOH) has advised the public to cook pork thoroughly to avoid getting sick, amid confirmation that the African Swine Fever (ASF) has entered the country.

After the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed the presence of ASF in hogs in some parts of the country, the DOH noted that ASF is not a risk to human health.

“We want to allay the fears of the public by saying that, as long as pork is bought from reliable sources and it is cooked thoroughly, pork is safe to eat,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III  said in a statement.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health or Office International des Epizooties (OIE), ASF is a severe and highly contagious viral disease among domestic and wild pigs.

DOH said that ASF is commonly introduced into a herd when they were fed with uncooked or undercooked ASF-contaminated pork products.

“Because ASF can spread easily, hog raisers are advised not to feed raw or undercooked pork products (swill, garbage, or waste) to pigs,” DOH said.

The department also advised hog raisers to monitor their animals for any sign of illness, to isolate sick animals, and to consult the veterinarian immediately.

“DOH also urges the public to support measures being implemented by the DA and to work closely with concerned agencies in monitoring and responding to significant health events,” the DOH said.

There is no vaccine or treatment for ASF yet, according to DOH. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT