BKP Manado Performs PCR Test On Pork Before Sent Out Of North Sulawesi

Head of BKP Manado Yusup Patiroy (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Manado Agricultural Quarantine Center (BKP) conducted a "polymerase chain reaction" (PCR) test for pork before being sent outside the North Sulawesi region.

"That's a step we take to ensure that the pork we send out of the area is free from the swine flu virus," said Head of BKP Manado Yusup Patiroy in Manado, Saturday, quoted by Antara.

He said the BKP was still certifying the delivery of pork to a number of areas in Java, Kalimantan and North Maluku after passing the PCR test.

"So it is a bit similar to the last PCR examination or test sample for COVID-19, but what we are taking is to detect the African swine flu virus," he said.

He said the process to obtain sample test results through the PCR would take five to six hours through the Bitung BKP laboratory.

Even so, Yusup could not provide data on whether during the PCR for the pork tested, there were samples that were found positive for 'African Swine Fever' or ASF.

It's just that according to him, BKP will provide a certificate of delivery for pork that is negative for ASF.

Until now, he said, Manado BKP is still waiting for a letter or written statement from the local government regarding the status of ASF in the province with a population of more than 2.6 million people.

Letters or written questions will later provide recommendations or steps that will be taken regarding the delivery of pork outside the region.

Previously, Governor Olly Dondokambey said the ASF virus had entered the North Sulawesi region after there was certainty from the Veterinary Center.