Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — A lawmaker has urged the government to secure African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines to stem the virus in 12 areas nationwide.
The AVAC ASF Live Vaccine, developed by AVAC Vietnam Co. Ltd., is undergoing safety and efficacy trials in four farms in the country. The Bureau of Animal Industry is also conducting clinical trials, which are expected to be completed in April.
“Sana ay umaksyon agad ang pamahalaan para makakuha ng supply at maipamahagi ito sa ating mga stakeholder sa lalong madaling panahon,” AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said in a statement.
[Translation: We hope the government will take immediate action in securing vaccines and distribute them to stakeholders as soon as possible.]
“Makakatulong ang nationwide vaccination drive para matulungan ang ating mga hog raiser na labanan ang pagkalat ng ASF,” he added.
[Translation: The nationwide vaccination drive will help our hog raisers against the spread of ASF.]
Citing official data, Lee said ASF infection has spread to 59 provinces in 15 regions since the outbreak in July 2019.
In August that year, the agriculture department ordered the culling of pigs within a one-kilometer zone of infected areas.
RELATED: LOOK: A timeline of African Swine Fever in the PH
Lee said insufficient pork supply “has an effect on inflation.”
“Winner tayo lahat kung masusugpo natin ang ASF sa bansa. Hindi lang ang livestock industry, kundi pati pamilyang Pilipino na hirap sa presyo ng mga bilihin ay mabibigyan ng ginhawa,” Lee said.
[Translation: All of us are winners if we curb the ASF in our country. Not only the livestock industry but also Filipino families, who are having difficulty with the prices of commodities, will be given relief.]
According to the Bureau of Animal Industry under the Agriculture department, 58 of the 149 blood samples of pork in Carcar City, Cebu were positive for ASF.
Conducted last March 1, the samples were collected by the City Veterinary Office of Carcar using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Hog raisers and stakeholders were urged to report any unusual pig mortalities and sickness to their agriculture offices.
The agriculture department said control measures were already implemented and coordination with the local government is ongoing.
