Procured 10,000 doses of ASF vaccine now in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The 10,000 doses of vaccine against African swine fever (ASF) acquired by the goverment through emergency procurement have arrived in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

“The vaccines have arrived and are still at the Bureau of Customs,” Arnel de Mesa, DA assistant secretary and spokesman, said.

De Mesa said ASF vaccination would start after necessary procedures are completed.

Pigs that test positive for ASF would not be included in the controlled vaccination.

“Hogs that will pass the criteria will proceed to the vaccination,” he added.

Asis Perez, DA undersecretary for policy, planning and regulation, said the agency has completed a series of consultations in Calabarzon to refine protocols concerning movement of healthy hogs amid outbreaks in several areas, particularly Batangas.

Perez said that under the proposed guideline, the DA would allow movement of healthy pigs from red zones or areas with active cases to ensure a stable supply of pork and protect the livelihood of hog raisers.

“The government will ease regulation, but we have to make sure that only live and healthy pigs are transported to prevent the spread of ASF. It’s important to ensure that infected animals stay in red zones” Perez said.

Meanwhile, the provincial governments of Isabela, Laguna and Quezon confirmed the spread of ASF in their areas.

Local officials expressed fear that a second wave of ASF outbreaks might occur in their jurisdictions.

Mary Grace Bustamante, Laguna chief veterinarian, said that outbreaks were logged in Alaminos, Calamba, Nagcarlan and San Pablo.

Bustamante said that in 2020, the local hog industry sufferred  from the effects of ASF. 

Quezon chief veterinarian Flomella Caguicla said at least eight of 41 towns in the province are affected by the virus.

Caguicla said among the affected municipalities are Candelaria, Lopez, Macalelon, Mauban, San Antonio, San Andres, San Narciso and Tiaong. 

Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano said five barangays in two towns recorded outbreaks and more than 100 hogs have been culled in these areas.