The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up efforts to safeguard the Philippines against animal diseases, with significant initiatives scheduled for 2025. By March, the government plans launching the commercial rollout of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine and begin local trials for avian influenza (AI) vaccine, according to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
The government has already procured 490,000 doses of the ASF vaccine, with 150,000 doses currently in use for trials. If no adverse reactions are reported, a nationwide rollout will proceed by March 2025.
In addition to the vaccine initiatives, the DA is allocating up to P300 million for AI vaccine trials, also expected by March next year.
The DA is also expanding its supply sources, accrediting South American countries to provide carabeef (buffalo meat) amid a ban on imports from certain areas in India due to the foot and mouth disease (FMD). Additionally, 34 Indian companies have been approved to export frozen buffalo meat, although those based in FMD-affected regions are temporarily banned.
These efforts are part of the DA’s strategy to diversify meat sources and ensure competitive supply chains for the Philippines’ growing demand.
