News Details

ASF vaccinations start next month

NPO

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August 17, 2024

PHILSTAR

MANILA, Philippines — The vaccination of hogs in Batangas will start next week as the 10,000 doses of African swine fever (ASF) vaccine under emergency procurement will arrive today, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

“The vaccine will arrive and hopefully it will be immediately released from the airport so that we can start the vaccination by Tuesday,” Tiu Laurel said in an interview after meeting with Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas at the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City.

Tiu Laurel assured Mandanas yesterday of the efforts of the DA to address the spread of ASF in the province.

He also clarified the statement of Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa that the vaccination would begin in September.

“The 10,000 doses is too small for the whole province but if we can isolate two or three barangays, it is very helpful already,” he added.

He said the vaccination will start in Lobo as it is considered “ground zero.”

“The vaccination will be voluntary,” he said, adding that experts will monitor jabs daily.

At the same time, Tiu Laurel said the declaration of a national state of calamity is not needed.

“It will not help. Everything is in process already. We are set to purchase 600,000 doses of ASF vaccine,” he noted.