LAOAG CITY, July 22 (PIA) – To prevent the re-introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Laoag City, the city government is implementing intensified border control and quarantine checkpoints in areas around the city.
Five checkpoints were set up on the areas of Barangay Lagui-Sail Vintar Road, Brgry. 51-A Nangalisan Bridge, Brgy. Barit, Brgy. San Mateo, and Brgy. Balatong to check hog products and by-products coming into the city.
The checkpoints started their operations on July 20.
Personnel from the City Veterinary Office and City Police Station served as inspectors for meat transportation vehicles coming into the city.
For the entry of live pigs in the city, the delivery personnel must present the original copy of the Barangay Certificate signed by the Barangay Captain where the animals originated from, and the original copy of the Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) signed by the city or municipal veterinarian.
In cases where the city or municipality does not have a government veterinarian, a Municipal Certification or Livestock Health Certificate signed by the Municipal Agriculturist can be presented at the checkpoint.
Moreover, the requirements for the entry of pork products are original and signed copy of the Meat and Meat by-product Inspection Certificate (MMPIC), Shipping Certificate, and signed copy of the Meat Inspection Certificate (MIC).
If the required documents are not complete, entry to the city is prohibited.
Live pigs shall be returned to their origin while pork products shall be escorted to the City Slaughterhouse for further inspection and possible condemnation.
Last June, Laoag City was officially proclaimed as “Pink-Zone” or ASF-free as per certification issued by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Office 1.
“Kapag ang isang local government unit ay naideklara bilang pink zone, ibig-sabihin wala nang kaso ng ASF pero maaaring infected zone ang mga kalapit na bayan,” Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos Keon said. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
