DA starts ASF vaccine distribution on Aug 20

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will begin distributing African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines starting Tuesday, August 20, after receiving an additional donation of 2,000 doses via emergency procurement following a surge in cases in Batangas and Quezon.

Batangas declared a state of calamity in eight municipalities affected by the ASF outbreak, with checkpoints set up this Friday to prevent further spread.

An independent technical advisory group comprising scientists and veterinarians will assess the progress of government-controlled vaccinations, guiding future actions based on trial results.

Eight inspection points have been established in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas to prevent the spread of ASF and avian influenza, with additional sites planned for further containment.

The DA announced 'rules of engagement' for the vaccination process, which includes stringent monitoring conditions that farmers must agree to before vaccinating their hogs; vaccines will be free and voluntary but only given to healthy hogs between four and 22 weeks old.

Compliant hog raisers are assured of indemnification in case of fatality among vaccinated hogs, with higher indemnification rates for larger pigs.