The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is preparing to accelerate the rollout of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine outside the original testing area of Batangas, the scene of a new outbreak of the swine disease.
“Administrative Circular (AC) No. 13 revised the vaccination program. The main goal is to accelerate the rollout of the ASF vaccine in key areas, especially in barangays with no cases for at least 40 days,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel V. De Mesa told reporters on Thursday.
He added that the new guidelines also include red (active) and pink (buffer) zones with no AVP results within 40 days.
The active category refers to areas with ongoing ASF outbreaks, or areas that are being monitored, depopulated, or cleaned and disinfected.
“Another amendment was also to simplify requirements for farms wishing to participate in vaccination programmes,” Mr De Mesa said.
Under AC 13, farms wishing to participate in the vaccine programs must submit a letter of intent, proof of compliance with biosafety requirements and registration with the DA or the Bureau of Animal Industry, among others.
The prosecutor added that there is no minimum number of pigs required for vaccination, nor do the animals have to belong to the same age group.
The prosecutor said the vaccine will only be administered to weaned or adult pigs at least four weeks of age or older. They must be healthy or tested negative for ASF before vaccination.
The transport of vaccinated pigs for slaughter is permitted if they test negative for ASF during the 30 days after vaccination.
Pigs that test positive for ASF but show no symptoms must undergo additional monitoring and should not be transported.
ASF, which was first detected here in 2019, began reemerging in August, prompting the government to selectively roll out vaccines to commercial and small growers. Approximately 600,000 bottles were purchased.
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a controlled rollout of the ASF vaccine from Vietnam.
As of Nov. 22, 78 municipalities in 18 provinces had active ASF cases, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported. — Adrian H. Halili