DA rolls out ASF vaccine program in Batangas

On Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) assured strategic vaccinations for eligible farmers' hogs against African swine fever (ASF) in Batangas.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) conducted its first orientation on government-controlled vaccination using 10,000 doses of emergency procured ASF vaccines, with Lobo as the initial rollout area.

DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa emphasized the need for a clustered approach to prevent vaccine wastage and ensure proper administration within temperature requirements.

Only healthy grower pigs between 4 to 12 weeks old are eligible for vaccination, which requires blood sampling before and stringent monitoring afterward.

Over 160 small-hold, semi-commercial, and commercial farmers attended the initial orientation in Lobo and expressed their intent to participate in the ASF vaccinations.

The DA plans to launch similar orientations and vaccination efforts in Lipa and Taysan following the successful rollout in Lobo, with a focus on grouping hogs into clusters of 50 for efficient administration.

Indemnification for affected hograisers has been raised from P5000 to P8000 per head, and up to P12,000 if it is a female pig capable of giving birth.