January 31, 2020

Philippine Department of Agriculture opens animal disease diagnostic facility

The Department of Agriculture headed by Secretary William D. Dar opened last week the Animal Disease Diagnostic Research Facility (ADDRF) within the Pampanga State Agriculture University (PSAU) campus.

The ADDRF, which supports the government's campaign for food security, safety and sustainability, seeks to form a synergy of efforts and initiatives among animal health practitioners, through the use of modern equipment and leading technologies.

The P5 million-worth (~US$98,000; P1 = US$0.02) facility was established in support to the agriculture and fishery sector of Pampanga and nearby provinces.

According to Dar, the ADDRF, which was established in collaboration with the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Bureau of Agricultural Research aims to elevate knowledge in animal disease and develop preventive measures.

With Pampanga and Bulacan having the highest population density for poultry and tilapia, the facility will serve as a strategic centre for animal disease control in Region 3. It has the capability to detect African swine fever, avian influenza, and Newcastle disease, among others.