The Department of Agriculture (DA) favors extending subsidy to cover the cost of dispensing the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine but would need legislative support for this effort.
According to Rex Estoperez, DA spokesperson, a subsidy means augmenting the budget of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) even as the funding source still have to be determined.
He acknowledged the BAI does not have an initial estimate on the cost of such an endeavor as its procurement did not form part of the budget plan.
The BAI earlier recommended the Avac vaccine manufactured by Vietnam to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Arlyn Vytiaco, BAI assistant director, said this was after the product’s safety and efficacy was proven in clinical trials across Luzon that resulted in increased levels of antibodies in all samples used in the trial.
BAI said once approved by the FDA, the BAI will import at least 600,000 doses from the vaccine manufacturer in Vietnam with rollout guidelines released after the approval is secured.
He said the vaccine will not be mandatory but gave assurance will be made accessible even by small hog raisers.
As of latest, six regions, 12 provinces, 32 municipalities and 73 barangays have active ASF cases.
