CEBU CITY – The province of Bohol has tightened its border control to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Members of the ASF Provincial Task Force have been deployed in the province’s 10 ports and in its airport.
LILIOSA Bulias, veterinary quarantine inspector, shows about five kilos of ‘lechon’ (roasted pig) confiscated from a passenger who arrived at the Tagbilaran City port in Bohol. The province has banned the entry of pork and pork-related products as it steps up the campaign against African Swine Fever. (Calvin D. Cordova)
Liliosa Bulias, the veterinary quarantine inspector deployed at the port of Tagbilaran City, said that the task force is strictly inspecting passengers who may be carrying prohibited items upon arrival.
Passengers are prohibited from bringing pork and pork-related products into the city. Even dishes with pork are being confiscated.
Bulias said measures against ASF have long been enforced but the province became stricter recently after Gov. Aris Aumentado issued an executive order which aims to protect Bohol’s P6-billion hog industry.
Sniffing dogs capable of detecting meat have been deployed to assist members of the task force which include uniformed policemen.
“Confiscated items will be disinfected…we have chemicals for disinfection. The confiscated items will then be brought to our disposal facility,” said Bulias.
Bulias said at least 50 kilos of pork meat have been confiscated since the province enforced stricter measures against ASF.
Bohol started enforcing stricter measures when confirmed cases of ASF were reported from the neighboring island of Cebu early this month.
“We call on our visitors to avoid bringing pork or pork-related products because we will really confiscate them,” Bulias said.