The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) seized 60 hogs at a border control measure in Quezon City on Thursday.
The checkpoint was set up by DA to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI). it was done in coordination with the Quezon City Government through the City Veterinary Department and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to BAI, the traders presented fake and counterfeit documents like; a Certificate of Free Status-African Swine Fever clearance, Local Government Unit Local Shipping Permits, and Veterinary Health Certificates. BAI added that the traders also failed to obtain a local shipping permit from the bureau.
The seized hogs will be tested to determine if they are infected with ASF.
“This seizure, which we hope will be the first and last, should be a clear warning to unscrupulous traders that we mean business. We cannot compromise public health, the viability of the local livestock industry, and the country’s food safety and security,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed.
The seizure came a day after the operations were conducted in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.
