The price of pork in markets could go down with the anticipated introduction of a vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF), according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.
Laurel said if the ASF vaccine proves effective, it could lead to increased investment in the pork industry and a subsequent rise in hog population across the country.
The ASF outbreak has impacted pork production severely, which led to higher prices.
The government plans to roll out the first batch of vaccines between August and September 2024.
However, the effectiveness of the vaccine will not be known until February 2025.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will prioritize 18 provinces with ASF cases, as of this writing:
- Abra
- La Union
- Bulacan
- Tarlac
- Batangas
- Quezon
- Rizal
- Mindoro Occidental
- Mindoro Oriental
- Albay
- Camarines Sur
- Catanduanes
- Cebu
- Samar
- Misamis Occidental
- North Cotabato
- Sultan Kudarat
- Basilan
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assured the public that the vaccine has undergone thorough research and evaluation.
The DA will implement strict measures during the vaccine rollout to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
