July 2005 is the target date set by the National FMD Task Force when zero incidence of FMD would be attained. All stakeholders (government, industry and consumers) shall consider this date in the planning of their respective activities towards this common goal.

Data for 2005 (as of 8 February) indicate that the slaughterhouses remain to be a critical areas in the eradication effort, registering 70% of all the reported cases. To immediately address the situation, NMIS and local government unit shall maintain a 24-hour, 3 shift presence in all slaughterhouses in the endemic area.

Henceforth, DA Administrative Order 28 Series of 2003 and DA Administrative Order 32 Series of 2002 shall be strictly enforced. More importantly,

1. Only licensed livestock handlers shall be allowed to conduct business with any slaughterhouse.

2. Pigs coming from endemic areas intended for slaughter must be vaccinated prior to the issuance of the required transport documents (veterinary health certificate and shipping permit).

3. Only shipments covered by proper documents shall be accepted for slaughter.

4. OVERSTAYING OF SLAUGHTER HOGS (cut off time is 12 noon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

5. REMOVAL/TAKING OUT FROM SLAUGHTERHOUSE OF LIVE HOGS PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED FOR SLAUGHTER SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED.

6. DAILY CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF FACILITIES SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN.

As provided under the said Orders, sanctions shall be meted out to any livestock handler, slaughterhouse operator and government personnel in violation of any provision of the Orders.

However, meat handlers, slaughterhouse operators and government personnel who refuse to cooperate in instances where positive cases are observed shall likewise be dealt with accordingly.

FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE.

Adopted: 11 Feb. 2005

(SGD.) ARTHUR C. YAP
Secretary

(SGD.) JOSE Q. MOLINA, DVM
Director
Bureau of Animal Industry

(SGD.) EFREN C. NUESTRO, DVM
Executive Director
National Meat Inspection Service