DA OKs first bird flu vaccine, boosts poultry output

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the benefits of the country's first bird flu vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of efforts to enhance food security.

The FDA recently approved Volvac B.E.S.T. AI plus ND, a vaccine designed to protect against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Velogenic Newcastle disease, which strengthens poultry production in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and FDA Director General Paolo Teston collaborated closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure the vaccine's safety and efficacy.

The vaccine can be administered to birds as early as 10 days old and provides full immunity within 10 to 14 days, protecting against the H5N1 strain of bird flu and Newcastle disease.

In 2024, poultry output in the Philippines was valued at PHP362 billion according to Philippine Statistics Authority data.

Tiu Laurel expressed gratitude to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and FDA Director General Paolo Teston for their dedication in shepherding the vaccine's approval.