BACOLOD City – The city’s African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force reminded the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse in Barangay Handumanan that hogs and other animals bound for slaughter are allowed to be kept in lairage for a maximum of two days.
A lairage is a holding area near the slaughterhall to give animals rest prior to slaughter.
This aims to keep the animals from contamination or infection from ASF, which has been a growing concern in the region, according to City Veterinarian Maria Agueda Trinidad Dela Torre in a letter addressed to the city’s abattoir.
The letter, also signed by City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr., read, “ASF is a highly contagious viral disease…that has significant economic and health implications, and we must take all necessary precautions to prevent its spread.”
The city urged the slaughterhouse to strictly adhere to the two-day lairage limit and to implement proper biosecurity measures, including regular cleaning and disinfection of their facilities as well as proper waste management practices.
Ting said animals previously stayed for about five days at the abattoir before being slaughtered./PN
