(PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) has asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to certify a Vietnam-made African swine fever (ASF) vaccine for its immediate distribution in the country.
In a press briefing at the DA main office in Quezon City on Friday, BAI assistant director Arlene Vytiaco said they are pushing for the AVAC vaccine after its trial has recorded positive results on pigs by producing antibodies.
“We have endorsed it to the FDA for the issuance of Certificate of Product Registration (CPR),” she said.
The BAI official noted that the issuance of the CPR, aside from one of the requirements of the manufacturer, will certify the commercial release of the vaccine in the country.
She also revealed the positive result of the testing held from March to May in six areas in Luzon.
“The safety and efficacy trials in Luzon showed that the hogs that have been injected produced 100 percent antibodies and has no side effects on animals,” Vytiaco added.
The BAI official is hoping that the FDA will immediately issue the CPR as many counties are also waiting for supplies.
The manufacturer is ready to supply 600,000 vaccines to the Philippines.
Vytiaco, however, said they have yet to determine the price of each vaccine dose from the manufacturer.
Vytiaco added that the successful trial was the third testing conducted after the other two testing activities, where they partnered with the United States and Thailand.
“I cannot discuss anything about the trials, they are confidential,” she said. The pigs that were given the shots are aged four to 10 weeks old.
The BAI official added that acquiring the ASF vaccine is not mandatory.
“It’s a first come, first serve basis,” Vytiaco said.
On the other hand, Dr. Janice Garcia, cluster coordinator of the National ASF Prevention and Control Program of the BAI reported that as of June 1, there are 15 provinces that have active ASF cases.
“This data is from May 15 up to June 1. In the last two weeks, the cases are only confined in the Visayas. In Luzon and Mindanao there were only few detections,” Garcia added. (PNA)
