DA keeps ASF vaccine rollout under tight government control pending more trial data

Local

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has yet to authorize the commercial release of an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine, with authorities maintaining a controlled rollout while additional trial results are being evaluated.

Speaking at the “Kapihan sa PIA” media forum on Wednesday, July 15, DA-Central Visayas Livestock and ASF Focal Person Voltaire Amper said the vaccine remains under government supervision through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), stressing that no anti-ASF vaccine has been approved for commercial sale in the country.

Amper explained that the vaccine has not secured the necessary authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a requirement before it can be distributed through veterinary supply stores and other commercial channels.

“As for the controlled rollout, there is a vaccine, but there is no license to commercially distribute it,” he said.

According to Amper, data gathered from field trials showed that immunity generated by the vaccine gradually weakens, with antibody levels declining about five months after inoculation. The findings prompted regulators to continue monitoring its performance before considering broader deployment.

He also pointed to concerns involving viral shedding detected among vaccinated animals.

Trial results indicated that traces of the virus were found in the urinary and intestinal systems of some pigs, raising fears that poor biosecurity practices could contribute to disease transmission, particularly in backyard and small-scale farms.

Because of these risks, Amper said regulators remain cautious about expanding the vaccine's use beyond government-managed programs.

The DA official emphasized that any ASF vaccines being promoted through online platforms or unauthorized sellers should be viewed with suspicion, noting that no product currently has a license for commercial distribution.

Despite the issues identified during testing, the DA has not ruled out a wider rollout.

Amper said the government continues to study the vaccine under established national protocols and that any future expansion will require compliance with strict guidelines and regulatory clearances.

He noted that the controlled rollout is intended to generate additional scientific evidence and ensure that potential risks are properly addressed before a decision is made on wider implementation.(MyTVCebu)