DA revises guidelines on ASF vaccine use

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has amended its guidelines on the government-controlled use of Vietnam-made African swine fever (ASF) vaccine to expand its coverage and expedite the vaccination program against the deadly animal disease, which affected the local swine industry.

In a statement on Thursday, the DA said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Circular No. 13, series of 2024, containing the revised guidelines on ASF vaccine usage.

Circular No. 13, in particular, amended previous directives —Circulars No. 05 and No. 08 – concerning the controlled use of the ASF vaccine to streamline procedures and expand coverage to accelerate the nationwide vaccination program.

The DA said the latest circular was designed to speed up the rollout of the ASF vaccination campaign in key areas, particularly barangays with no active ASF cases for at least 40 days or those with negative ASF surveillance results in Red and Pink Zones.

“A significant aspect of the amendment includes the easing of requirements for farms that wish to participate in the vaccination program,” the Agriculture Department said.

“Additionally, farms are required to comply with strict monitoring protocols,” it said.

The DA said vaccinated farms must be inspected coupled with regular documentation submitted to local authorities and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). 

“Sample collection and testing procedures are emphasized to ensure that vaccinated pigs are free from ASF,” it said.

“The new circular also includes updated guidelines for the movement of vaccinated pigs, requiring clearance based on health and testing outcomes and mandates depopulation for pigs that test positive for ASF and exhibit clinical symptoms,” it added.

With the enhanced protocols, the DA said it is hoping to reinforce biosecurity measures and minimize the risk of further ASF outbreaks. 

“This will safeguard the livelihood of Filipino hog raisers and secure food security nationwide,” the DA said. —KBK, GMA Integrated News