Attempts to bring dead pigs, fowls to Benguet blocked

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet’s provincial veterinary office has blocked attempts to bring into the province nine dead pigs and a dozen chickens since an animal quarantine ordinance was passed in February.

         The dead animals were intercepted and confiscated in various entry points to the province, Benguet chief veterinarian Miriam Tiongan said on Tuesday.

Tiongan said the dead animals were seized during quarantine operations conducted along Marcos Highway, Kennon Road, and Naguilian Road.

The livestock inspectors, she said, had also found several meat inspection certificates and shipping permits that were either expired or forged, which are all subject to investigation.

The veterinary official, meanwhile, assured that no influenza virus has been detected in the random laboratory sampling on poultry since the quarantine measure took effect on February 1.

Benguet’s Provincial Board approved the animal quarantine ordinance to control and prevent health hazards; and the entry of pests and diseases that may affect the livelihood of residents.

The ordinance applies to all animal dealers and traders, handlers of meat, meat products and by-products, fish and aquatic products, and honeybees and by-products that are brought in and out of the province.

Meanwhile, the provincial treasury office has disclosed that as of May 31, it has collected about P6.8 million from “quarantine inspection fees”. -- PNA