DA eyeing approval of 4 more ASF vaccines in 2027

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to approve at least four more vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) until next year, as it ramps up efforts to contain the disease and rebuild the country’s swine population.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica said the DA was targeting the approval of a second ASF vaccine before the end of November.

This follows the authorization of commercial sales of a vaccine developed by AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Co. in September.

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READ: Pork prices fall as farmers rush to sell amid ASF fears

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The second vaccine is being developed by South Korean firm Komipharm International Co. Ltd., while other potential entrants include products from Europe’s MSD Animal Health, Vietnam’s Dabaco Group and another South Korean company.

Palabrica said the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) was evaluating these vaccines. The DA also expects to issue guidelines governing ASF vaccination before the end of November.

The disease continues to ravage the country, with 226 barangays reporting active ASF cases as of Oct. 9, based on BAI data. Since the disease broke out in the country in 2019, nearly 7,000 barangays have been affected. —LOGAN KAL-EL M. ZAPANTA