Quezon City’s ‘lechon capital’ declared free of African Swine Fever virus
The Quezon City government said on Thursday that all of the 14 “lechon” (roasted pig) establishments in La Loma, which were earlier ordered temporarily closed, have been declared free of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“The local government is pleased to announce that there is no longer any [ASF] virus in 14 lechon establishments in La Loma, Quezon City,” it announced in a statement.
The lechon stores in the area, which is considered the city’s “lechon capital,” were shut down by the local government on Nov. 13 after some pigs tested positive for the infectious disease.
The establishments were directed to conduct daily disinfection activities for a week in compliance with a memorandum issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
They were also ordered to comply with mandatory sanitary, safety and health protocols.
Cleared
According to the city government, three of the 14 establishments have been given the go-ahead to reopen after they passed the regulations set by the City Health Department and City Veterinary Department.
It added that it would continue to assist entrepreneurs to ensure that all of them follow protocols and “maintain the quality of products coming from La Loma.”
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier assured the public that the virus cannot be passed on to humans.
“The ASF is a disease affecting pigs, not humans,” the DOH said in a social media post. “Humans cannot be infected with ASF. It is still safe to eat the meat of pigs. Just make sure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.”
