In a move to further protect the Philippine swine industry from the impact of African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued revised guidelines under Administrative Circular No. 13, Series of 2024.
The circular amends previous directives concerning the controlled use of the ASF vaccine, streamlining procedures and expanding coverage to accelerate the nationwide vaccination program.
The circular amends previous directives concerning the controlled use of the ASF vaccine.
The guidelines, signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., had some revised provisions in DA Administrative Circulars No. 05 and No. 08, both issued this year.
“These amendments are designed to speed up the rollout of the 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 in Red and Pink Zones,” Tiu Laurel stressed.
“We hope to reinforce biosecurity measures and minimize the risk of further ASF outbreaks.”
With the enhanced protocols, the DA hopes to reinforce biosecurity measures and minimize the risk of further ASF outbreaks. This will safeguard the livelihood of Filipino hog raisers and secure food security nationwide.
A significant aspect of the amendment includes the easing of requirements for farms that wish to participate in the vaccination program.
Additionally, farms are required to comply with strict monitoring protocols. Vaccinated farms must be inspected coupled with regular documentation submitted to local authorities and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Sample collection and testing procedures are emphasized to ensure that vaccinated pigs are free from ASF.
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.
