African Babi Flu Threatens To Trade Pig Meat Without Quarantine

The Center for Animal, Fish and North Sulawesi Quarantine while thwarting the smuggling of pork without inspection, in Bitung, Saturday. (3/2/2024). (Between/Nancy L Tigauw)

JAKARTA - The Center for Animal, Fish and North Sulawesi (North Sulawesi) Quarantine reminded the public of the dangers of crossing pork which has not yet passed the quarantine inspection process.

"Pig meat that has not passed quarantine measures is feared to contain animal pests such as African swine flu. It is not guaranteed safety and health," said Head of the North Sulawesi Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Center (Karantina Sulut) I Wayan Kertanegara, in Manado as quoted by Antara, Saturday.

He said that although it does not transmit disease to humans, the disease can threaten the community's economy if it is not prevented.

Therefore, Wayan appealed to the public to obey the quarantine report to prevent the threat of animal, fish and plant diseases.

Efforts to smuggle 250 kilograms of pork without quarantine certificates have been thwarted by Bitung satpel quarantine officials on (2/2) Friday.

The plan is that the illegal pork will depart from the ASDP Ferry Bitung port to Ternate, North Maluku via the motorboat (KM) Dalente Woba.

Head of the Bitung service unit, Zusane Katuuk, said that this smuggling mode was to hide frozen pork behind vegetables to trick quarantine officials.