ASF vaccine to next roll out in areas with no recent cases

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said it is preparing to fast-track the rollout of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine beyond the initial pilot-testing area of Batangas, the scene of a renewed outbreak of the hog disease.

“Administrative Circular (AC) No. 13 revised the vaccination program. Its main objective is to speed up the roll out of the ASF vaccine in key areas, particularly in barangays without cases for at least 40 days,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel V. De Mesa told reporters Thursday.

He added that the new guidelines also include red (active) and pink (buffer) zones with no ASF results in 40 days.

The active category refers to areas with ongoing ASF outbreaks, or those undergoing surveillance, depopulation or cleaning and disinfection.

“Another amendment was also to simplify the requirements for farms that want to participate in vaccination programs,” Mr. De Mesa said.

Under AC 13, farm willing to participate in the vaccine programs should submit a letter of intent, proof of biosecurity compliance, and registration with the DA or Bureau of Animal Industry, among others.

The DA added that there is no minimum number of pigs required for vaccination nor do the animals need to be in the same age group.

The DA said the vaccine will be administered only to weanling or grower pigs at least four weeks of age or older. They must be healthy or have tested negative for ASF before vaccination.

The transport of vaccinated hogs for slaughter is allowed if they test negative for ASF during the 30-day post-vaccination period.

Pigs that test positive for ASF but do not show symptoms must undergo additional monitoring and are not allowed for transport.

ASF, first detected here in 2019, started to reemerge in August, prompting the government to roll out vaccines selectively to commercial and small growers. About 600,000 vials were procured.

The Food and Drug Administration has allowed a controlled rollout of the ASF vaccine from Vietnam.

As of Nov. 22, 78 municipalities across 18 provinces had active ASF cases, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported. — Adrian H. Halili