By Brian Jules Campued
To effectively contain the spread of African swine fever (ASF) among hog farms, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will start its controlled vaccination against ASF in Batangas on Aug. 20.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., at least 10,000 vaccines are expected to arrive in the Philippines on Friday through emergency procurement.
While the agency is awaiting the arrival of the vaccines, the D.A. is implementing strict border control measures in Calabarzon to prevent the transport of diseased hogs afflicted by ASF. Several checkpoints have also been set up across key areas to inspect and disinfect vehicles loaded with pigs.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Asec. Constante Palabrica will also hold a public consultation on Friday with local officials and hog producers before the rollout of the vaccination program to explain the process and conditions to be eligible for the program.
According to the department, only hogs that have not been previously infected with ASF, specifically growers or fattener pigs, will be vaccinated. The pigs will undergo monitoring between 30 days to two months to see if they will develop antibodies against the virus.
An advisory group will also be created to evaluate whether the program has been effective at controlling ASF spread and continue its implementation.
Several towns in Batangas have already declared a state of emergency due to an ASF outbreak.
According to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) monitoring, ASF has affected 74 provinces. As of Aug. 8, 64 municipalities in 22 provinces have reported active ASF cases. (with report from Cleizl Pardilla/PTV News)
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