The Office of Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) is strictly implementing the veterinary quarantine ordinance to prevent any potential threat of different emerging and re-emerging animal diseases that are infectious, contagious, and zoonotic especially the African Swine Fever virus that affected thousands of pigs nationwide.
During the dispersal of piglets on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, held at the Agri-Center Covered Court, Amas, Kidapawan City, OPVet head Dr. Rufino Sorupia said, that through Provincial Ordinance No. 558 also known as “Veterinary Quarantine Ordinance of Cotabato Province” his office, is now closely monitoring the entry of different livestock coming from different regions and provinces through quarantine service centers located at different points of entry and boundaries in the province.
Sorupia also declared, during the simple program on Tuesday that as of now Cotabato Province is ASF-free and pork products supplied by local hog raisers in the province are safe for human consumption.
To show their support to local hog raisers and substantiate that the province of Cotabato is free from ASF, Acting Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño Mendoza led the “lechon” boodle fight along with the provincial officials, employees and local hog raisers.
Food and Drug Administration XII Regional Supervisor Nicanora Deomampo Rabara, Rph, MPA and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Ferdinand Cabiles who also graced the activity assured the public that ASF doesn’t bring any health threat to humans.
Rabara also reminded the public to look for DA- National Meat Inspection Services sticker when buying pork products from unknown traders and avoid imported processed pork products and canned goods coming from countries affected with ASF.
Acting Governor Taliño-Mendoza assured the local hog raisers of the province that the provincial government of Cotabato is ready to extend assistance if needed.//ras//
