Posted on The National
PAPUA New Guinea has declared a “red alert” on the African swine fever virus – a deadly disease affecting pigs.
Australia declared a “hyper-vigilance” on the same.
A statement from the Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority said if the virus hit PNG, it would decimate the pig population with detrimental effects on people who eat pork. A red alert means a lookout for suspected pork products from virus-infected countries, 100 per cent quarantine checks at wharves and airports, a ban on new import licences, applications of all available quarantine laws and increase public awareness.
Naqia raised the red light after confirming that Timor Leste reported the virus on Sep 27.
“Timor Leste shares a land border with Indonesia and since this is within the same geographical region as PNG the chances of the virus entering our shores are real,” said Naqia managing director Joel Alu.
“The confirmation of the disease in Timor Leste and direct flights between the Philippine cities of Cebu and Manila and Port Moresby now raises our alert to red.
“The Philippines also reported the virus this year.
“A more intense awareness and enhanced biosecurity protocols will be implemented at our borders.
“Naqia has begun instituting precautionary measures at our borders and have being raising awareness on the disease in swine, pork, and pork products.
Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/warning-issued-on-african-swine-fever-virus/
No comments:
Post a Comment