The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that the 10,000 vaccines to combat the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak arrived in the country on Monday, August 19.
The vaccines, obtained via emergency procurement, are currently at the Bureau of Customs, revealed DA Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa.
Vaccination will begin once requisite procedures have been dealt with, and will not include hogs that have tested positive for the virus.
Through consultations in CALABARZON, the DA has polished its protocols for the movement of uninfected hogs from out of 'red zones' or areas with cases of ASF in order to preserve hog raisers' livelihoods and secure the steady supply of pork, said DA Undersecretary for policy, planning, and regulation Asis Perez.
"The government will ease regulation, but we have to make sure that only live and healthy pigs are transported to prevent the spread of ASF. It’s important to ensure that infected animals stay in red zones," Perez explained.
ASF has also reached the provinces of Isabela, Laguna, and Quezon, and its officials fear that outbreaks may also occur in their jurisdictions.
