THE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Northern Mindanao said pork sold in markets, malls, and other stores are safe to eat pointing out that the region remains free from African Swine Fever (ASF).
Juliet Araos, chief of the DA Regulatory Division, said its department appreciates the declaration of the provincial government banning pork products from ASF-affected areas as this would help in their prevention campaign.
She said the declaration will provide more manpower to secure the region from the swine disease.
Araos added that ASF is not a threat to human health, and is not transferable to humans.
Humans can be indirectly carriers of the virus, but will not be affected by the disease.
“There is no threat to human health. Our campaign is to prevent economic losses, not human health-related,” she said
Dr. Leo Mira, quarantine officer of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), said they have stepped up their security in all of the ports in the region, including putting up land quarantines in borders.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Resma said more permits and documents are required when importing pigs in the region, even if they come from areas not affected by ASF.
“We are on a preventive mode to avoid entry of ASF in the province,” Resma said.