Legazpi City execs seize 20kg of ‘hot’ pork to stop ASF

LEGAZPI CITY—The city government on Thursday (Feb. 27) seized at least 20 kilograms of pork given the tag “hot meat” for its questionable source and as a precaution against African swine fever (ASF).

Emmanuel Estipona, city veterinarian, said the pork was seized from two vendors at the villages of Arimbay and Buyuan.

Meat is declared hot if it came from animals processed in illegal slaughterhouses or have not been inspected for safety.

Estipona said the seizure was part of efforts by the city government to fight the spread of ASF.

The seized pork would be destroyed immediately, he said.

All live pigs should be inspected, before and after slaughter, to make sure these were fit for human consumption and if not carrying the ASF virus.

Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal had issued an executive order directing the city veterinary office to monitor and inspect farms and backyard hog raisers at every village in the city.

Edited by TSB