To ensure that biosecurity measures are being observed and strictly followed and to prevent the entry of livestock and poultry diseases, Agriculture Secretary William Dar inspected the newly-installed footbaths at Gates 1 and 16 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on October 13, 2019.

Reynaldo Quilang, chief of the Veterinary Quarantine Station at the NAIA, said that the footbaths are installed at strategic points of the terminal airport to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever and the entry of other livestock and poultry diseases.

“Specifically, the footbaths are located at the east and west concourses upon arrival of the passengers from the plane and at the aerobridge going to the immigration area,” Quilang said.

Aside from the footbath, notices to travelers are also posted requiring them to declare all goods purchased or acquired abroad and brought to the Philippines. “We are rigorously monitoring the incoming passengers, local and foreign, who are bringing meat and meat-products into the country,” Quilang added.

Meanwhile, Dar called on the quarantine officers to heighten security measures and likewise urged the public to remain vigilant and sustain strong cooperation in the continued efforts of the government to manage, control, and contain animal diseases.

All four terminals of the NAIA, domestic and international, have installed large footbaths. ### (Rita T. dela Cruz, DA Communications Group)