BAGUIO CITY: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is urging hog growers in the region to take part in the testing of a vaccine against the African swine fever (ASF). Dr. Kevin Luna, regulatory chief of the Livestock Division of the DA-CAR, emphasized the importance of participating in the vaccine trials to combat the persistent ASF threat in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has allocated approximately 10,000 vials of vaccines specifically for the Cordillera region. Dr. Luna explained that the vaccine testing, which has already been conducted in Southern Luzon, aims to assess the vaccine’s viability in Cordillera, taking into account regional environmental factors that contribute to animal health.

The vaccine is intended for use in swine located in areas that have been free of active ASF cases for at least 40 days or those with negative ASF surveillance results in designated red and pink zones. Dr. Luna highlight
ed that farm owners or managers whose animals receive the vaccine are expected to bolster biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of further ASF outbreaks.

DA records indicate that from January to October 2024, the Cordillera region reported 214 ASF cases affecting 96 villages across 40 municipalities. This marks a significant increase from the 54 cases reported throughout 2023. The province of Abra recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Benguet. In 2022, a total of 209 cases were documented across all provinces in the region.

Dr. Luna also stressed the critical role of local governments in ASF surveillance and in ensuring that affected animals are prevented from entering their areas, thereby curbing the spread of the disease.