DA speeds up ASF vaccine procurement for Batangas outbreaks

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing for emergency procurement of African swine fever (ASF) vaccines due to recent outbreaks in Batangas.

Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office has reported ASF cases in several municipalities and cities, including Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan, and Lipa City.

The DA aims to expedite the vaccine rollout with an initial target of 10,000 doses, which may now be available by the third week of August, earlier than previously announced.

Local government units such as Lobo and Calatagan have declared a state of calamity due to ASF outbreaks in their areas.

To prevent further spread, the DA is collaborating with local officials to enforce movement restrictions and draft resolutions for urgent vaccine purchase.

The DA will set up several livestock checkpoints across Luzon while awaiting the arrival of vaccines, expected within weeks. Funds are available for procurement and indemnification of hog raisers affected by ASF.

Propork chairperson and AGAP Partylist Rep. Nicanor Briones urged the government to declare a national state of emergency to tap into the country's calamity fund for ASF vaccine procurement.