The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued revised guidelines to accelerate the country’s African swine fever (ASF) vaccination campaign. The amendments, under Administrative Circular No. 13, Series of 2024, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr, streamline the procedure for participating farms and expand the vaccination program’s coverage.
The new directives speed up vaccine distribution in areas without active ASF cases for at least 40 days or where surveillance results are negative. Farms wishing to participate must submit a letter of intent, biosecurity compliance documents, and registration with the DA or Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The guidelines simplify the requirements by removing a minimum number of pigs or age group restrictions for vaccination.
Additionally, farms that vaccinate pigs must submit regular inspection reports and ensure their animals are ASF-free via testing. Vaccinations are limited to pigs aged four weeks or older that are healthy or test negative for ASF.
The revised circular also established clearer rules for the movement of vaccinated pigs, including mandatory health clearances and depopulation of pigs that test positive for ASF.
The DA said the updated guidelines will enhance biosecurity measures, minimize ASF risks and support the recovery of the local hog industry which has been severely impacted by the ongoing outbreak. As of 22 November 2024, ASF cases remain active in seven regions, 18 provinces, and 369 barangays.
