October 7, 2024

 

Philippines reports higher antibody development in ASF vaccinated swine

 
 


The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has found significant antibody development against African swine fever (ASF) in hogs vaccinated on two farms in Lobo, Batangas, Philippines, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

This update follows the rollout of the government controlled ASF vaccination programme by the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

 

The vaccination effort, which began on August 30, 2024, using AVAC live vaccines, has shown promising results after 30 days. According to DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica, the vaccinated hogs have developed 90% blocking in the Elisa test, indicating a strong antibody response.

 

Palabrica said swine showed higher antibodies after 30 days and the condition of the swine were reported to be good.

 

Earlier reports revealed that 40% of antibodies were recorded in 18 out of 41 vaccinated hogs just 14 days after receiving the vaccine.

 

The DA aims to use the remaining 10,000 doses of emergency procured AVAC live vaccines in other parts of Batangas by October. Officials are hopeful that the vaccine will receive commercial approval by the end of the year to curb the spread of ASF.

 

The BAI has reported an increase in the number of ASF-affected areas, or "red zones," across the country. As of 2nd October, red zones in 122 municipalities across 14 regions have risen to 534 barangays, up from 524 on 20th September.

 

Regions with the highest number of red zones include North Cotabato with 131, Quezon with 98, Batangas with 72, Camarines Sur with 43, and La Union with 35.

 

-      Philippine News Agency

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