DA chief orders BAI to refine ASF vaccination protocol to fast-track rollout

DAVAO CITY — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to refine its vaccination protocol in order to expedite the rollout of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine developed in Vietnam, which has shown promising results in a recent pilot test in Batangas.

Blood tests conducted by the BAI on over three dozen pigs vaccinated last month in Lobo, Batangas—considered ground zero for the latest ASF outbreak—revealed that the hogs developed sufficient antibodies to combat the ASF virus.

In August, the Department of Agriculture (DA) procured 10,000 doses of the AVAC live vaccine through emergency measures as part of a larger plan to distribute at least 600,000 doses. This vaccination effort aims to eliminate the ASF threat that has significantly impacted the local hog population since the first outbreak in 2019.

Despite these efforts, Secretary Tiu Laurel acknowledged that many backyard hog raisers remain hesitant to participate in the ASF vaccination program. Concerns stem from negative publicity and fears that their pigs may be slaughtered if tests indicate infection.

“We’re hopeful that the upcoming changes to the vaccination protocol will help fast-track the rollout and finally address our ongoing battle with this persistent virus,” the DA chief stated.

According to the latest data from the BAI, as of October 2, ASF infections have been reported in 30 provinces across 14 of the country’s 17 regions, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention.