VACCINATION, DEVELOPED ANTIBODIES AGAINST ASF - DOH

The ASF outbreak has affected thousands of pigs, the government is ruling out its controlled vaccination against the virus (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)
 

More pigs were about to receive vaccination in Batangas against African Swine Fever (ASF), majority of hogs included in the controlled vaccination remain in good health and showed positive response.
 

According to DA Assistant Secretary Constante Palabrica, the results of ELISA or enzyme-linked immunoassay tests conducted on the hogs showed the presence of ASF antibodies in some pigs.
 

“The test results indicated the hogs are building immunity. All remaining pigs are healthy and under close observation.”
 

The DA clarified that 41 of the pigs inoculated with ASF  have died because of pulmonary diseases and not of the virus. It said that the vaccination is only part of broader ASF control strategy, noting that comprehensive biosecurity measures are needed to curb the spread of the virus.
 

Adding that honesty and timely reporting from farmers is essential for the program’s success. It is also necessary to respect procedures under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including gene sequencing, to ensure the safe administration of ASF vaccines.
 

Furthermore, the ASF outbreak in CALABARZON has affected the business of feed millers followed by decline in demand for livestock feeds. 
 

“We are losing 50 percent of our revenues due to the depletion of pigs, and the livelihoods of thousands of Batanguenos are at stake,” chief executive of Batangas-based Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative Rico Geron said.
 

As of September 6, ASF has affected pigs in 14 regions, 31 provinces, 109 municipalities and 472 barangays in the Philippines. Only the AVAC ASF Live vaccine from Vietnam has been approved for limited government-controlled rollout.
 

Source: ABS-CBN News

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