To prevent the possible entry of bird flu in Muntinlupa and secure safety of locally retailed meat, the city government launched inter-agency inspections to public markets last Aug. 18.
The Office of the City Veterinarian headed the surprise inspection at Alabang Public Market to ensure that meat sold in the city are safe for human consumption and free from bird flu.
Muntinlupa City Veterinarian Dr. Pamela Hernandez said the inspection in Alabang will be the first of intensive inspection rounds across meat stalls, shops, and establishments in the city.
“Even though majority of Muntinlupa’s poultry and meat supply come from the South and NCR, we will continue to conduct surveillance to guarantee that retailed meat in the city is free from contamination,” the City Veterinarian added.
She said while there is only one broiler identified in one of the barangays in Muntinlupa, OCV will continuously monitor areas where birds and chicken are being raised.
Hernandez discussed their agency’s coordination with supermarkets and meat handlers regarding the pro-active response of the local government on the bird flu outbreak.
OCV confiscated meat and poultry products weighing 188 kgs that are not fit for human consumption which include: pork lungs, pork head, pork entrails, pork ear (imported), chicken byproducts, carabeef, and chicken liver.
Confiscated meat was transported to Pacwood, Tunasan for proper disposal.
Joining the inspection were Muntinlupa City Health Office, Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office, Muntinlupa City Public Market Office, and Muntinlupa Public Information Office.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi called for vigilance among locals in buying poultry products and exposing oneself to birds and chicken.
To report suspicious sudden death of birds and chicken in your area, please coordinate with Office of the City Veterinarian in Muntinlupa located at 4F Annex Building, Muntinlupa City Hall, Putatan with telephone number 862-3866.
Muntinlupa City is in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture in the prevention of the outbreak.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol recently confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in San Luis, Pampanga, the first case for the country.
The DA will cull at least 400,000 birds within the town of San Luis in Pampanga to avoid the spread of the virus. Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda placed the province in a state of calamity last August 11.