THE Provincial Veterinary (PVET) Office in Alabel municipality, Sarangani, has confiscated hundreds of kilograms of fresh pork meat following the detection of African swine fever (ASF) in seven component towns in the province.

Based on the report of the quarantine staff, the meat was intercepted aboard a private vehicle going to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental from Maitum town in Sarangani.

The confiscation was due to the violation of Section 18 (b) of Provincial Ordinance 202210-085 or the failure to present necessary permits and required documents for the transport of live hogs, pork, pork products and by-products.

Redimto Hinoctan, a PVET staff, said pork meat and other pork products will only be allowed to pass through the checkpoints when necessary documents are presented, particularly the permit from the National Meat Inspection Service.

Hinoctan clarified that PVET personnel do not have the authority to apprehend individuals or hold vehicles. However, they provide options to those who fail to show the necessary permits for the transported pork products to go back to the place of origin or surrender the products to the personnel at the checkpoint.

ASF is an infectious disease that spreads rapidly among the swine population and causes bleeding in the pig’s organs.

There is no treatment yet for ASF which is not harmful to humans.