Quezon City orders temporary closure of 14 lechon stores after ASF detection
The Quezon City Government has ordered the temporary closure of 14 lechon establishments in La Loma following the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) on Wednesday night, November 12.
According to the local government, the Quezon City Veterinary Department (CVD), in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), conducted a thorough inspection of several lechon establishments in La Loma as part of regular monitoring to ensure food safety and protect public health.
Test results confirmed that some pigs tested positive for ASF, prompting authorities to recommend culling to prevent the disease from spreading.
Following the recommendation of the BAI, CVD, and City Health Department (CHD), the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) issued Temporary Closure Orders to 14 lechon stores.
"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 city government is ensuring that ASF remains isolated in the area, and there is no threat of ASF in other markets in the city. The ASF virus is not transmissible to humans)," the city government said.
Disinfection and containment operations are ongoing, while checkpoints have been established to regulate the movement of pigs in and out of La Loma.
To address the concerns of affected businesses, the city government held a dialogue with lechon store owners on Thursday morning, November 13, to discuss health and safety measures and ensure the continued viability of the lechon industry.
The Quezon City Government urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in maintaining food safety and cleanliness for the welfare of all consumers.