BAI: Rabbit meat is safe, viable alternative to pork

Rabbit meat can be used as an alternative for pork, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said Thursday as the African swine flu (ASF) outbreak continues to cut into the country's hog supply.

Dr. Eduardo Torne, the BAI-Livestock Research and Development Division officer in charge, said that rabbit meat is safe to consume.

"Zoonotic diseases...are diseases na nandun sa hayop na pwedeng makalipat sa tao. So far sa international study, wala pa naman tayong nakikita na pwedeng lumipat sa tao from rabbit," Torne said in an interview with Cedric Castillo on "24 Oras."

Around the Philippines, rabbit meat is already being consumed, although the market for it is still relatively small compared to other types of animal meat.

In a recent interview with reporters, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said that he has tried rabbit meat, and it tasted like chicken.

"Ang growth cycle noon ay mas lesser than other potential substitute. it will be cheaper," Dar said. 

Art Veneracion, a hog raiser who shifted to rabbit farming after losing his livestock to the ASF outbreak, shared his experience on raising rabbits.

"From date of birth up to three months, iyan yung ini-slaughter namin. Usually, average yan from 1.8 kilos live to 2.1 kilos. Sa 70-day cycle, five times in a year kung manganak yan," he explained.

In setting up his rabbit farm, Art admitted that he had to change his perception on the furry mammals.

"It’s second to chicken [in Europe]. Ganon kalaki 'yung demand. In Eastern Europe, you will be surprised na ang mga farm diyan, parang poultry farm sa atin," he said.

Art's wife Angie has attested to using rabbit meat for several dishes, such as adobong kuneho and rabbit sisig.

According to her, the white New Zealand rabbit breed is the perfect choice for dishes because of its medium size.

"Mas fine siya, 'yung kanyang fiber ay mas edible, mas madaling matunaw. Mas tender. Nasubukan na naming magluto ng tinola, sinampalukan, sisig, kaldereta, menudo," Angie said.

While there were people who consumed rabbit meat, others refuse to try it—because they know rabbits more as pets.

Riley, a child interviewed for the report, would not entertain the thought of eating the furry creatures because she, herself, had a pet rabbit named "Beast."

"No, because he is not tasty. No joking guys. People, do not eat your pets," she said. — Angelica Y. Yang/BM, GMA News