December 27, 2024

 

Philippine swine production expected to grow amid ASF vaccine rollout

Swine production in the Philippines is projected to expand in 2025, buoyed by strong market prices and the rollout of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine, according to an industry group.

 

Alfred Ng, vice-chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc, expressed optimism about the sector's recovery. He noted that swine farmers remain resilient despite ongoing ASF outbreaks and are motivated to repopulate their herds due to favourable liveweight prices.

 

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated an 8% decline in swine production during the third quarter, amounting to 414,610 metric tonnes. Despite this, Ng anticipates sustained demand for pork, driven by the country's inability to meet domestic consumption needs.

 

Ng highlighted the potential impact of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) breeder programme, which he said will start yielding results next year.

 

The ASF virus, first detected in the Philippines in 2019, continues to affect hog production, with infections leading to the culling of animals in affected farms. A resurgence of ASF cases in August prompted the government to expedite its limited vaccine rollout to support both commercial and small-scale growers.

 

Heavy rains and tropical cyclones in the latter half of the year have been identified as factors contributing to the spread of the virus through contaminated water.

 

Ng expressed confidence that broader acceptance of the ASF vaccine would encourage the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Food and Drug Administration to grant commercial approval. He noted that farmers who have discreetly used the vaccine would likely begin purchasing it openly once approval is secured. The DA expects commercial approval for the vaccine by February or March 2025.

 

Currently, only the AVAC ASF Live vaccine from Vietnam has been approved for a limited government-controlled rollout. The vaccine's Certificate of Product Registration, issued by the Food and Drug Administration, is valid for two years and subject to annual review.

 

The DA has allocated PHP 350 million (US$6.01 million) for the procurement of 600,000 doses to be distributed to swine farmers in targeted areas. Ng expressed hope that additional vaccines would be approved, potentially lowering vaccination costs and making them more accessible.

 

Market conditions are expected to remain favourable, with pork prices continuing to encourage farmers to expand their operations. As of December 20, 2024, pork shoulder prices in public markets ranged from PHP 300 to PHP 380 (US$5.15 to US$6.53) per kg, while pork belly was priced between PHP 340 and PHP 420 (US$5.84 to US$7.21).

 

Ng also forecasted a revival of the pork trade in Cebu in the coming year, which would contribute to the market supply. Breeder farms in Cebu and Bantayan Island are expected to resume operations, aiding the breeder supply for Luzon.

 

As of December 6, 2024, active ASF cases were reported in 88 municipalities across 19 provinces, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.

 

-      Business World