Authorities stop transport of 59 undocumented piglets in Quezon
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — Authorities in Calauag, Quezon on Saturday intercepted a shipment of at least 59 undocumented piglets as part of the government efforts to control the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
The Quezon police said in a report on Sunday that around 9:45 p.m., personnel from the municipal agriculture office flagged down a passing Mitsubishi L300 van driven by “John” along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Sumulong.
The driver failed to produce government permits to transport the animals, which were bound for Candelaria town in the province. However, there were no reported cases of ASF, a severe viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs, in Quezon.
Earlier, local authorities were tipped off that undocumented piglets would be transported out of the locality.
The driver was detained and will be slapped with violating Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 5.
The order issued in 2019 sets guidelines for the local transport of animals, animal products, and by-products to protect public health and combat animal health threats.
The regulations impose strict timelines for obtaining transport permits and set special requirements for specific animals and products.
READ: 43 pigs dead as possible ASF cases in Quezon
