Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday sought to take advantage of the procured vaccines against African Swine Fever (ASF) and bird flu to help sustain livestock production.
Speaking to the media, Marcos on Wednesday said the ASF and the bird flu are still the biggest threats to livestock that the government should address.
\”When it comes to livestock and the broilers, the hogs, and the cattle… of course ang pinakamalaking issue ay ‘yung ASF pa rin at saka ‘yung Avian influenza, (the biggest issues are still the ASF and the Avian Influenza)\” he said.
“Mukhang nako-control naman natin. Nakikita nating maganda ang supply dito sa atin ngayon (It seems that we can control it. We can see that the supply is good now)…As long as we continue to do this and develop more and take advantage of all of these vaccines that are being rolled out, I think kakayanin natin i-sustain (we can sustain it),” he added.
According to the President, there is an \”urgent need to revitalize the sector\” considering the effects of livestock diseases.
Marcos said the first phase of the ASF vaccine safety and efficacy trials have resulted in 80% efficiency rate.
\”We are also making progress in our procurement of Avian Influenza vaccines, with the BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) calling for manufacturers to register their products with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) while the guidelines to administer the same are being finalized,\” he added.
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However, the chief executive said the progress in vaccination is \” not a reason for complacency.\”
