In response to ongoing concerns regarding vaccines imported from Vietnam, the Philippines has introduced three new technologies aimed at detecting and controlling African swine fever (ASF). This viral disease, which causes severe hemorrhagic fever in pigs, has had a devastating effect on the country’s pork industry, with outbreaks reported in 76 out of 82 provinces since 2019. Currently, active outbreaks are noted in six provinces.
Vietnam is also grappling with a significant outbreak, facing thousands of infected pigs. To combat this, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) collaborated with domestically-owned BioAsset Corporation to create a rapid DNA extraction kit and a real-time detection kit tailored for farmers. These innovative tools aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve response times to potential outbreaks.
Additionally, BioAsset Corporation has developed a mobile biocontainment laboratory designed to facilitate rapid responses and enhance disease surveillance. These advancements enable farmers to conduct on-site diagnostics, thereby improving early detection of diseases.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted that these interventions underscore the potential of science and technology in delivering comprehensive solutions to critical animal health challenges that jeopardize food security. However, some experts express skepticism. Fermin Diaz, editor of Livestock and Meat Business, remarked that while these kits may assist, they do not significantly contribute to overall diagnostic effectiveness in disease management.
African swine fever is notably contagious, affecting both domestic and wild pigs, and can result in mortality rates of up to 100%. The economic repercussions are substantial, causing disruptions to pork supply chains and threatening food security across the region. Unchecked, the virus has the potential to mutate, increasing its contagiousness and virulence.
In light of these risks, the Philippine government, supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), adopted a three-pronged strategy last year focused on prevention, control, and vaccination. Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica reported a decline in infections due to measures like zoning and checkpoints. He noted that no mutations in the virus have been detected, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges.
Concerns Surrounding Imported Vaccines
Despite ongoing trials and concerns regarding vaccine safety, the Philippine government has been importing large volumes of the Vietnamese-produced AVAC vaccine. This was disclosed during a June meeting of the House Committee on Trade, Industry, and Agriculture. The vaccine is being distributed to local livestock producers to prevent the mass mortality of pigs, a crucial source of income for many.
This decision has raised alarm among stakeholders, echoing fears of a repeat of Vietnam’s experience with live attenuated vaccines that adversely impacted pig health. A study published in Scientific Reports suggested that the nationwide introduction of such vaccines in Vietnam may have affected the viral gene pool among the pig population, leading to heightened concerns.
In June, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration asserted the vaccine’s 100% effectiveness and a lack of side effects, citing almost two years of ongoing field trials. However, details of the trial data remain undisclosed. During a Congressional hearing, Representative Fergenel Biron expressed serious reservations about the vaccine trials, questioning the issuance of its registration despite negative evaluations from veterinarians.
Diaz reported that the acceptance rate of the vaccine among farmers remains low, with only 5-10% opting to use it. Concerns persist regarding the Department of Agriculture’s promotion of the product, which he believes has not sufficiently communicated the associated risks and side effects. The Batangas Provincial Pig Farmers Association has echoed this sentiment, voicing apprehensions about using the vaccine at this stage.
Low Vaccination Rates Persist
Nguyen Van Diep, general director of AVAC Vietnam Co., Ltd., noted that the AVAC vaccine has been in use since July 2022, but low vaccination rates continue to hinder control efforts. Estimates suggest that less than 5% of pigs have been vaccinated, contributing to the ongoing outbreaks.
Diep defended the quality of the vaccines sent to the Philippines, emphasizing adherence to strict quality standards and the perishable nature of live attenuated vaccines. Proper storage, he explained, is critical, with specific temperature requirements and a limited shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture.
African swine fever has now been reported in 20 countries since its first outbreak in China in 2018, according to the World Animal Health Organization. Traditional control measures, such as culling infected animals and enforcing stringent biosecurity protocols, remain the primary strategies in combating the disease. Lionel Dabadi, FAO’s representative in the Philippines, stressed the necessity of a multifaceted approach, highlighting that while vaccines show promise, they are not a comprehensive solution.
