Cagayan Valley remains ASF-free: NMIS
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Oct. 16 (PIA) – All pork and pork products in the Cagayan Valley Region are still safe from African Swine Fever (ASF), an official of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) said yesterday.
Dr. Elnora Ramones, assistant regional director, said as of writing, there are no confirmed cases yet of ASF in the region that is why the inter-agency task force created is strictly implementing the total ban of pork and pork-based products in the region to ensure that no virus can enter the region.
She also said that with the collaboration of various agencies and the local government units, all possible conveyors of pork and pork-based products are strictly inspected upon entry in the region.
“We are glad that everyone becomes conscious now of the pork or meat they eat and there are various agencies helping us in inspecting all possible sources of meat products, specially pork with the threat of the ASF,” Ramones said.
Ramones said there is still enough supply of pork meats in the region as there are still local supplies, however, she admitted that there might be a shortage of pork-based products during the yuletide season.
“We have to look for some alternatives if there will be shortage of pork products during the Christmas season like chicken, fish, beef and the like,” Ramones added.
Loida Gambala, meat inspector III, also said they also conduct massive inspections in malls, meat shops, public markets and other possible sources of meat products to determine if the outlets possess inspection permits.
“We also advise the consumers to always ask the vendors if they have inspection permits. This will prove that the products you are buying underwent inspection and are safe to eat,” Gambala said.
To also advocate and prove to the consuming public that the pork in the region are safe for human consumption, they will launch the “pork safe to eat” program in this city. (ALM/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan)
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