The Department of Agriculture (DA) has streamlined the procedures and expands the coverage of the vaccination program against African swine fever (ASF).
The agency said in a statement on Thursday it amended Administrative Circular No. 13, Series of 2024.
signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. last November 19, which streamline
The issuance speeds up the rollout of ASF vaccination campaign in key areas, particularly barangays with no active ASF cases for at least 40 days or those with negative ASF surveillance results.
The amendment also eases requirements for farms that wish to participate in the vaccination program.
Farms with intent to vaccinate shall submit documentary requirements such as letter of intent, duly signed veterinarian-client patient relationship form, DA or Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) registration apart from a proof showing compliance on farm biosecurity classification level 2 for commercial and semi-commercial farms and at least level 1 for small hold farms.
However, vaccinated farms must be inspected and provide regular documentation submitted to local authorities and the BAI apart from conducting sample collection and testing procedures to ensure that vaccinated pigs are free from ASF.
DA added that under the revised guidelines, there is no minimum number of pigs required for vaccination and are also not required to be in the same age group.
The agency also said the ASF vaccine should be administered only to weaning or grower pigs at least four weeks of age or older and must be apparently healthy or tested negative for ASF before vaccination.
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.
With the enhanced protocols, DA is optimistic that biosecurity measures will improve which in turn will minimize the risk of further ASF outbreaks to safeguard the livelihood of local hog raisers and secure food security nationwide.
Based on latest data from BAI, as of November 22, 2024, active cases of ASF in the country are contained in 7 regions, 18 provinces, 78 municipalities and 369 barangays. Meanwhile, DA’s monitoring of public markets as of Wednesday showed the prevailing retail price of pork kasim is at P290 to P360 per kg and pork liempo at P340 to P400 per kg
