Devt of anti-ASF vaccine in progress

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LOS BANÕS, Laguna — As the African swine fever (ASF) disease is affecting the country's hog industry, the Philippine government, through the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is developing a vaccine that could fight the disease.

Jorge Cyril Viray, PCAARRD science research specialist, told The Manila Times that PCAARRD is developing a vaccine for ASF.

"The PCAARRD is currently conducting thorough research and developing an ASF vaccine to fight the disease," he said in an interview during the benchmarking activity of the officers and members of the Philippine Agriculture Journalist (PAJ) Bicol chapter and of the Department of Agriculture regional office Bicol.

DEVELOPING ANTI-ASF VACCINE The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, according to Jorge Cyril Viray (in photo), science research specialist, is developing a vaccine for African swine flu, which continues to affect and disrupt domestic supply of pork meat, causing high prices in the local markets. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA

When asked which breed of hogs that could better withstand the ASF, Viray said that the native pigs could endure the ASF disease more than the hybrid pigs.

He said that the government wants to preserve and propagate the production of native pigs, as they will endure better when a disease strikes the livestock industry.

The PCAARRD is exhibiting in its museum the variety of native livestock as a showcase to the visitors.

Based on its study, the PCAARRD, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), said it is working together in developing strategies and potential solutions to combat the ASF.

It said that while a fully developed ASF vaccine is not yet available for widespread use, research efforts are underway, including those focused on molecular detection and risk assessment.

ASF continues to affect and disrupt domestic supply of pork meat, causing high prices in the local markets.

In Albay province and Catanduanes, the prices of pork spike up from P400 to P420 per kilo; P380 to P400 in Camarines Norte; P390 to P400 in Camarines Sur and Sorsogon; and P360 to P370 in Masbate, based on the Department of Agriculture hog monitoring report on June 16, 2025.

PCAARRD is one of the sectoral councils under the DOST with a mandate to formulate policies, plans, and programs for science and technology-based research and development in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sectors.

Viray said that the Philippine government is intensifying its efforts to protect the country's livestock and poultry industries through strengthened disease control programs, new import regulations, and the establishment of an animal vaccine center in Nueva Ecija.