DOCTOR Mario Arriola, head of the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet), reminded the public about the supplemental notice in reference to Executive Order BC-500-2019, issued by Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar in November 2019.
Arriola said Salazar’s supplemental notice prohibits the entry in this city of live pigs, boar semen, pork and processed pork products from African Swine Fever (ASF)-infected provinces.
He said business establishments within the territorial jurisdiction of this city using pork and pork products from Luzon are directed to comply with the prohibition and make necessary adjustments to their business operations.
The OCVet official said the local food establishments are likewise directed to “comply with the proper disposal of kitchen refuse and that no kitchen refuse should be given or sold to individuals to prevent it from being used as feed for hogs.”
He added that individuals and officers of companies or businesses that will be apprehended transporting, selling, facilitating the sale and transport of the prohibited products shall be prosecuted and meted with other appropriated legal actions.
He urged the public, particularly village chairpersons, local stakeholders and other concerned sectors and individuals to be more vigilant and take necessary actions in order to protect this city against ASF. (SunStar Zamboanga)