PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s advisers from the private sector said on Thursday that the review and assessment of the MSD1 vaccine for African Swine Fever (ASF) needs to be expedited.
“This vaccine offers promising potential for providing additional immunity for breeder populations, thereby completing the immunity cycle and bolstering overall industry protection,” the Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) agriculture group said in a statement.
The Food and Drug Administration had granted a Certificate of Product Registration for the AVAC ASF Live Vaccine from Vietnam for controlled government trials.
Mr. Marcos said that the government will prioritize breeders in the vaccine distribution.
The PSAC also recommended that private sector cold storage facilities serve as preliminary distribution hubs for the vaccine to ensure improved access to hog farms.
“Our industry is at a critical juncture, and immediate action is required to safeguard our hog sector,” Sabin M. Aboitiz, PSAC lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer, said.
“The recommendations presented today reflect our collective commitment to not only addressing the immediate threats but also to ensuring long-term resilience,” Mr. Aboitiz added.
The Department of Agriculture allocated P350 million to acquire 600,000 vials of the vaccine. Initial shipments for the broader vaccine trial are expected to arrive by the third quarter.
The PSAC said that the targeted approach aims to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the vaccine is reserved for the grower or finisher segment of the industry. — Adrian H. Halili
