Tighten biosecurity measures vs ASF, government urged

MANILA, Philippines — Hog raisers’ group National Federation of Hog Raisers Inc. (NatFed) yesterday urged the government to enforce “strictest biosecurity measures” against African swine fever following reported ASF outbreaks in Vietnam.

The group expressed alarm over the safety of ASF vaccines from Vietnam after the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would conduct controlled vaccination trials.

NatFed vice chairman Alfred Ng said the government should hasten the establishment of first border inspection sites, which will inspect all refrigerated containers entering the country through various international ports.

“With the recent ASF outbreaks in Vietnam, many hog raisers today are afraid of using the vaccine from Vietnam,” Ng said.

DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said the procurement of P350 million worth of ASF vaccines would push despite reported outbreaks in the source-country.

Ng expressed support to a DA announcement that it would conduct controlled vaccination trials.

Earlier, the World Organization for Animal Health warned countries against using substandard vaccines to contain ASF.