RP hog farms being monitored for swine flu

MANILA, Philippines - The government has started monitoring all hog farms nationwide as part of its efforts against the swine flu virus that has already killed more than 150 people in Mexico and is said to be fast spreading to other countries. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said this was agreed upon Tuesday in a meeting with Defense secretary and concurrent National Disaster Coordinating Council chair Gilberto Teodoro and health officials in Camp Aguinaldo. "As suggested by the secretary of National Defense, we are already monitoring all of these farms. Any abnormalities will be reported to the Department of Health," Yap said. Teodoro said the NDCC called the meeting to establish protocols among the concerned government agencies in case of a swine flu outbreak. Yap said he has alerted concerned agencies to monitor the movement of hog products from the provinces and ensure that these products are covered by proper certifications. Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde said all measures are in place to address possible cases of swine flu in the country. “We have already instituted screening of all in-bound passengers at all international ports and airports and passengers or travelers with febrile conditions will be isolated and treated," Villaverde said. - GMANews.TV