Muntinlupa intensifies meat inspections amid bird flu outbreak
To prevent the entry of bird flu in Muntinlupa and secure safety of locally retailed meat, the city government has launched inter-agency inspections of public markets last Aug. 18.
The Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV) 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 that the inspection in Alabang is 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,” Hernandez said.
The OCV coordinated with supermarkets and meat handlers on the pro-active response of the local government on the bird flu outbreak.
Confiscated meat were 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 tel. no. 862-3866.
Muntinlupa City is in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture in the prevention of the outbreak.
DA 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 Aug. 11.