Farmers’ group opposes mass vaccination of hogs vs ASF

MANILA, Philippines — Farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) yesterday opposed the mass vaccination of pigs against African swine fever despite calls by hograisers’ organizations to include in the program all areas in the country affected by ASF.

SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet reiterated his earlier statement that the World Organisation for Animal Health has yet to approve a vaccine against ASF.

“What is being done is still under emergency (procurement of ASF vaccine). Those who are applying should undergo the protocol. The problem is, unlike COVID vaccines, which were tested in other countries, the ASF vaccine has yet to be approved by the World Organization for Animal Health,” Cainglet said.

He was reacting to an appeal by AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, chairman of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, who suggested the mass vaccination of hogs to prevent the spread of the virus and shortage in pork supply.

“We are still being used as testing grounds – the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – as the efficacy of the ASF vaccine is yet to be proven,” Cainglet said.

He said that while the initial vaccination of hogs in Lobo, Batangas has produced good results, it would take at least six months to see the effects of the vaccine.

Cainglet said SINAG wants the six-month controlled trial to be finished first to ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective before the group agrees to a mass vaccination.

He urged hog farmers to stop buying ASF vaccines from illegal and unauthorized sources, especially those sold online.