DA, FDA strengthen vaccine rollout for Avian Flu, Swine Fever

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are strengthening their collaboration on the regulation and rollout of vaccines for Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever.

Officials from the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and FDA met on May 19 to discuss updates on ASF and AI vaccine candidates, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to protect the swine and poultry sectors.

Both agencies expressed optimism for a possible commercial rollout of ASF and AI vaccines before the end of 2025.

Some vaccines are currently undergoing field trials, while others are being reviewed by the BAI Veterinary Technical Advisory Committee (VTAC).

Several vaccine candidates have already been endorsed to the FDA for further evaluation and approval.

The BAI will formally refer applicants to the FDA, which will then provide regulatory feedback and guidance.

The FDA will evaluate documents to ensure the vaccines' quality, safety, and efficacy.

DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated that it will take another two to three years before the Philippines' swine population returns to its pre-ASF levels.