PH braces for new strain of swine flu virus

MANILA, Philippines — While still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, the government is already bracing for the new strain of G4-H1N1 or the swine flu virus and will implement a “whole-of-nation” approach to prevent its spread.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) “proactive recommendations” to stop the new strain of the virus.

In IATF Resolution No. 52, the body approved the creation of inter-agency surveillance mechanisms for swine farms and workers, especially those regularly exposed to pigs.

“This effort shall be actively linked to global efforts to monitor the emerging disease. Further research on any emerging disease shall be conducted,” the resolution read.

The DA, along with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Customs were “directed to strictly implement Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013.”

The IATF stressed RA 10611’s Section 12 (b), which requires that imported foods should undergo cargo inspection and clearance procedures by the DA and DOH at the first port of entry to determine its compliance with national regulations.

Shipments not complying with national regulations should be disposed of.

Recently, Chinese researchers discovered a new strain of the swine flu virus that could potentially develop into a pandemic.