Gov’t agencies invest P140.9M in animal vaccine development

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it signed an agreement with various agencies and institutions to establish the Animal Vaccine Development Program, which involves an investment of P140.9 million over three years.

The agreement was signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. along with representatives from the National Livestock Program, the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Philippine Carabao Center, and Central Luzon State University.

The program hopes to develop vaccines for African Swine Fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease, and other leading livestock diseases.

The hog industry continues to recover from the impact of ASF, while the poultry industry deals with periodic outbreaks of avian influenza.

The program will involve the establishment of a Biosafety Level 3 facility that would allow scientists to safely handle high-risk animal pathogens, accelerate vaccine development, and support advanced research, technical training, and disease preparedness efforts.

Mr. Laurel said domestically produced vaccines have the advantage of being tailored to local pathogen strains, improving their effectiveness.

“Investing in science, research, and innovation is critical to protecting livelihoods, strengthening our food systems, and building a more resilient future for the livestock sector,” Mr. Laurel said in a statement issued by the DA. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza