Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the benefits of the country’s first vaccine against bird flu as the government pushes for food security targets. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the commercial use of Volvac B.E.S.T. (Baculovirus Expressed System Technology) AI plus ND, designed to protect against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel stated that the commercial approval will help ‘strengthen’ production within the poultry sector, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives. ‘With the FDA’s approval of Volvac B.E.S.T. AI plus ND, the poultry sector now has a strong line of defense against a virus that threatens both food security and human health,’ he said.

Poultry output, including eggs, was valued at PHP362 billion in 2024, based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data. The vaccine, which can be administered to birds as early as 10 days old, develops full immunity within 10 to 14 days. It provides protection against the H5N1 strain of bird flu and Velogenic Newcastle disease, a severe and often fatal viral infection in poultry.

Tiu Laurel credited Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and FDA Director General Paolo Teston for collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to ensure the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. ‘We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to bolster productivity, ensure food safety, and protect the livelihoods of Filipinos in the livestock sector,’ he added.