By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Thursday (Nov. 28), Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued revised guidelines under Administrative Circular No. 13, series of 2024, amending previous directives concerning the controlled use of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine, streamlining procedures, and expanding coverage to accelerate the nationwide vaccination program.
These guidelines were formulated in conjunction with some revised provisions in D.A. Administrative Circulars No. 05 and No. 08, intended to hasten the rollout of the ASF vaccination program in key areas especially barangays with no active cases or those with negative ASF surveillance results.
A significant aspect of the amendment includes the easing of requirements for farms that wish to participate in the vaccination program, hoping to bolster the country’s biosecurity measures and further protect the Philippine swine industry from the impact of ASF.
Additionally, farms are required to comply with strict monitoring protocols. 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.
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.
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