Negros Oriental officials are assuring the public that pork and pork products are safe to eat despite the confirmed reports of African swine fever (ASF) in Dauin and Sibulan towns.
They stressed that the ASF contamination was contained only in one barangay of each town and pork from other parts of the province and those sold in the market are safe for human consumption because it passes through the National Meat Inspection Service.
The assurance was made by Board Member Woodrow Maquiling Jr. – Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture chair, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion, OIC Provincial Veterinarian Belinda Villahermosa, Bureau of Animal Industry provincial head Dr. Alfonso Tundag, BAI ASF Coordinator for Visayas Josh Cruz, and PNP Provincial Director PCol. Alex Recinto at a press conference in Dumaguete City on Wednesday, May 31.
ASF has no bad effects on human health, said Cruz, who advised the public to observe proper food handling and cooking of meat over high temperature to eliminate any virus.
Maquiling said the press conference was held to correct the public perception that all pigs in Negros Oriental are unsafe to eat, which has affected the swine industry in the province.
Hog sellers have complained of low sales for pork products in the market because of the ASF scare, which has affected their livelihood, he said.
Maquiling encouraged the public to continue to support the local industry by patronizing their products.* PIA Negros Oriental