The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is preparing to speed up the release of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine beyond the first checkpoint in Batangas, the area where the outbreak of swine fever has occurred.
“Administrative Circular (AC) No. 13 reviewed the vaccination program. Its main objective is to speed up the issuance of the ASF policy in key areas, especially in barangays without charges for at least 40 days,” said Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel V. De Mesa told the media on Thursday.
He added that the new guidelines include red (active) and pink (buffer) areas with no ASF results in 40 days.
Active category refers to areas with ongoing ASF outbreaks, or those that are being monitored, eradicated or cleaned and disinfected.
“Another amendment was to simplify the requirements of farms that want to participate in vaccination programs,” said Mr. De Mesa.
Under AC 13, a farm willing to participate in vaccination programs must submit a letter of intent, proof of biosecurity compliance, and registration with the DA or the Bureau of Animal Industry, among others.
The DA added that there is no minimum number of pigs required for vaccination and there is no need for the animals to be in the same age group.
The DA said the vaccine will only be given to weaned or growing pigs that are at least four weeks old or older. They must be in good health or tested negative for ASF before vaccination.
Transport of vaccinated pigs for slaughter is allowed if they are tested negative for ASF within a period of 30 days after vaccination.
Pigs that test positive for ASF but do not show symptoms should undergo further testing and are not allowed to be transported.
ASF, which was first detected here in 2019, made a resurgence in August, prompting the government to selectively issue vaccines to commercial and small farmers. About 600,000 dishes were purchased.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the controlled release of the ASF vaccine from Vietnam.
As of Nov. 22, 78 municipalities in 18 states had active ASF cases, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported. – Adrian H. Halili
Source link
