By NG Seruela
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created a research team that will look into the efficacy of ivermectin and other products against African swine fever (ASF).
Agriculture Secretary William Dar signed Special Order No. 310 on April 30 which forms a research team for ASF control and prevention.
The team, led by Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC-Assistant Director for Production and Research Dr. Rene C. Santiago, includes DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. William C. Medrano, National Livestock Program Director Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonato, and BAI OIC-Director Dr. Reildrin G. Morales as technical advisers.
The research team is tasked to look into the “use of ivermectin, ASF Buster, Cloud Feed, and other potential products for the control and prevention of ASF.”
The team will also conduct preliminary field trials of ivermectin and other agents to “produce science-based evidences in support to control and prevention programs of ASF, and formulate and draft science-based policies for the national guidelines in using ivermectin and other agents in the control and prevention programs of ASF.”
The research team is also expected to “collaborate with international research institutions to conduct experiments to support claims in the use of ivermectin and other agents.” – jlo
