MANILA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has authorized the Bureau of Animal Industry to set up livestock, poultry and meat industry inspection sites in Metro Manila and surrounding areas to control the spread of animal diseases, the country's Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.

"These livestock, poultry, and meat industry inspection sites should serve as a defensive wall against the spread of animal diseases that threaten not only the local livestock and poultry industries but also public health and food security," Laurel said.

African Swine Fever (ASF), which has had a devastating impact on the hog industry since its first outbreak in 2019, recently had a resurgence in a region near Manila, the ministry said in its press release, adding that new outbreaks in other previously ASF-affected areas "are continually reported."

Meanwhile, cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza "are continuously detected and remain a significant threat to the local poultry industry," the ministry said.

Millions of pigs and chickens have been culled in the Philippines to control the spread of the diseases, resulting in billions of foregone revenue, income, investments, and job losses.

Aside from setting up inspection stations, Laurel also ordered the Bureau of Animal Industry to assess potential missing links in the quarantine wall to ensure strict border controls.

"Given the severe economic impact on the livestock and poultry industries of bird, ASF, and other diseases, it's crucial to implement stringent disease management protocols and strategies to control their spread," Laurel said. Enditem

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