Zubiri asks BOC for stringent measure vs. smuggled meat

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri today appealed to all intelligence agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to enforce stringent measures and monitoring against meat smuggled into the country to prevent possible occurrence of Swine flu virus that had reached Asia.

Zubiri said government agency's concerned especially Customs officials should be extra vigilant in guarding the entry of processed meat products from affected countries like US and Mexico. Russiahas banned imports of meat and meat products slaughtered and processed in Mexico and the United States and shipped after April 21.

The Majority Leader also called on the public to exercise the basic sanitary and personal hygiene practices by always washing the hands especially when using public utilities and exposure to disease.

"Let us go back and practice the basic cleanliness such as regularly washing our hands with soap and clean water including the use of alcohol," he said. He noted that sanitary and hygienic practices have become very important because the country's stockpile of Tamiflu, the known anti-viral drug against influenza A H1N1 virus, can only support the needs of only 60,000 cases.

He likewise lauded the efforts of the Department of Health for taking the necessary preventive measures against this deadly flu strain which is a combination of pig, bird and human viruses in which humans have no natural immunity.

"What is important is the public is made aware of the various effects and preventive steps they could take in relation to Swine flu epidemic."

He also reiterated his earlier appeal to the public that "instead of panic they could pay close attention to the most recent health warnings and take individual precautions."