14 lechon establishments in La Loma temporarily closed after African swine fever was detected
The Quezon City government, during a recent routine inspection of lechon establishments in La Loma, found pigs that tested positive for African swine fever.
According to its statement posted on Facebook on Nov. 13, the inspection was carried out by the Quezon City Veterinary Department in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry. This was part of the LGU's preparations for the Christmas season.
"Inirekomenda na isailalim sa culling ang mga baboy upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit," said the LGU in its statement.
As a result of the findings, 14 lechon establishments were served temporary closure orders by the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department the evening of Nov. 12 upon the recommendation of BAI, CVD, and the City Health Department.
"Tinitiyak ng pamahalaang lungsod na nananatiling isolated ang ASF sa lugar, at walang banta ng ASF sa iba pang pamilihan sa lungsod. Hindi naipapasa sa tao ang ASF virus," the LGU added.
To ensure it stays an isolated incident, the QC government has begun disinfecting all affected areas in La Loma. It has also established checkpoints to control the movement of pigs out of and into La Loma.
On the morning of Nov. 13, the local government met with vendors affected by the development, discussing with them the health and safety issues involved in running a lechon establishment. According to the LGU, the dialogue was carried out to make sure the La Loma lechon industry, which is the pride of Quezon City and the entire Philippines, remains safe and prosperous.
In a 2019 Facebook post, the Department of Health reiterated that ASF is not a threat to humans. Eating pork infected with ASF is not dangerous to humans as long as it is properly cooked. DOH also reminded the public to buy pork only from reliable vendors and to cook it thoroughly.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, ASF is highly contagious among pigs, and its unmitigated spread can heavily affect food security. The virus was first discovered in 1921 in Kenya, and quickly spread to most countries in southern and eastern Africa. A report by the World Organisation for Animal Health says that as of 2022 to 2024, ASF has spread to parts of Asia and Europe.