The Department of Agriculture (DA) will release vaccines for African Swine Fever (ASF) next Tuesday.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced that 2,000 doses, donated by a supplier, will arrive on Friday to combat the ASF outbreak in several Batangas towns.
“Our target is to start vaccination next Tuesday,” Laurel said during an interview in Malacañang.
He noted the DA has been procuring vaccines through the emergency procurement system, which may continue into next month.
Eight municipalities in Batangas, including Lobo, Lian, Calatagan, Rosario, Lipa, Talisay, San Juan, and Tuy, have declared a state of emergency. Laurel has since reassured the public the DA is working diligently to control the outbreak.
“Tomorrow (Friday), we will set up checkpoints in the affected areas to help control the spread,” Laurel said.
According to him, the DA is enhancing the country’s laboratories and research to encourage local vaccine manufacturing in the future. An indemnification program for the affected livestock sector is also being finalized.
Last Tuesday, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Agriculture Sector met with the President and discussed essential recommendations aimed at enhancing the protection and sustainability of the Philippine hog industry.
During the meeting, the Council emphasized a strategic, phased approach to managing the African Swine Fever (ASF) threat, recommending a contained rollout of AVAC vaccines in isolated areas, focusing on backyard and select large commercial farms.
This targeted approach, according to PSAC, aims to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the vaccine is reserved for the grower/finisher population.
In the meeting, the President said the government’s objectives align with the private sector’s recommendations and the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) plans.
The Council emphasized the need to fast-track the review and assessment of the MSD1 vaccine. This vaccine offers promising potential for providing additional immunity for breeder populations, thereby completing the immunity cycle and bolstering overall industry protection.
The President emphasized that breeders will be prioritized in the vaccine distribution, underscoring the importance of safeguarding this critical segment to ensure the overall resilience and stability of the industry.
To enhance the ASF vaccination strategy, the Council recommended using private sector cold storage facilities as preliminary hubs for vaccine distribution, streamlining the process and improving access for hog farmers nationwide.
Sabin Aboitiz, PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group president and CEO, emphasized the urgency of these recommendations, “Our industry is at a critical juncture, and immediate action is required to safeguard our hog sector. The recommendations presented today reflect our collective commitment to not only addressing the immediate threats but also to ensuring long-term resilience.
These recommendations highlight the Council’s dedication to safeguarding the Philippine hog industry and supporting its long-term sustainability. The PSAC Agriculture Sector is committed to collaborating with government and industry partners to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DA eyes ASF vaccine rollout next week”
