Three innovative technologies aimed at detecting and managing African Swine Fever (ASF) have been unveiled in the Philippines, as concerns mount over the safety of a vaccine imported from Vietnam. The disease, which causes hemorrhagic fever in pigs, has wreaked havoc on the nation’s swine industry, with outbreaks reported in 76 out of 82 provinces since 2019. Six provinces recorded active cases just last month.
Meanwhile, Vietnam continues to struggle with a significant ASF outbreak, affecting thousands of pigs. In response, the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has partnered with BioAssets Corporation, a Filipino-owned life science company, to develop a rapid DNA extraction kit and a real-time detection kit for farmers. Additionally, a mobile biocontainment laboratory has been introduced to support swift responses to potential outbreaks and enhance disease surveillance, allowing farmers to diagnose ASF on-site.
Technological Innovations and Industry Skepticism
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of these interventions, stating they illustrate how science, technology, and innovation can provide “holistic solutions to pressing animal health challenges” that impact food security. However, not everyone is convinced. Fermin Diaz, editor of the online magazine Livestock and Meat Business, expressed skepticism, describing the new tools as mere “palliatives” that offer minimal contribution to the overall diagnostic process.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent. The economic impact has been severe, disrupting the pork supply chain and threatening food security across the region. Experts warn that if left unchecked, the virus could mutate, potentially becoming more transmissible or virulent.
Government Strategies and Vaccine Controversy
The Philippine government, in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has implemented a three-pronged strategy over the past year to combat the virus, focusing on prevention, control, and vaccination. Constante Palabrica, the Philippines’ agriculture undersecretary for livestock, reported a decline in cases due to “zoning and checkpoints” as part of the new program. He assured that no microbial mutations have been identified.
According to official data, over 495 cities and municipalities have been reclassified from “red” infected zones to “pink,” indicating they are no longer under quarantine. However, the government’s decision to import the Vietnam-made AVAC vaccine has sparked controversy. Despite concerns over trial data, the vaccine was distributed to local livestock raisers to prevent mass pig deaths, a critical livelihood for many.
“The nationwide implementation of Live Attenuated Vaccines in Vietnam for prophylaxis has likely influenced the viral genetic pool among the swine population,” stated an article in the journal Scientific Reports.
The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration claimed in 2024 that field trials had shown the vaccine to be 100 percent effective with no side effects, though no trial data has been made public. Representative Ferjenel Biron, a doctor of medicine, voiced grave concerns during a Congressional hearing, questioning the issuance of a Certificate of Public Registration despite safety concerns raised by veterinarians.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Nguyen Van Diep, general director of AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, defended the vaccine, stating it has been in use since July 2022. He attributed ongoing outbreaks to a low vaccination rate, estimated at less than five percent. Diep emphasized the importance of preserving the vaccine properly, noting its perishable nature and specific storage requirements.
Since the first ASF outbreak in China in 2018, 20 countries have reported cases, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO representative in the Philippines, highlighted the absence of a cure and the reliance on traditional control measures such as culling infected animals and enforcing biosecurity protocols. He stressed that while vaccines are promising, they are not a cure-all.
“There is no cure as of today, so traditional control measures, such as culling infected and susceptible animals, enforcing stringent biosecurity protocols, and restricting the movement of pigs and pork products have been the main control method used so far,” Dabbadie explained.
The introduction of new technologies and ongoing efforts to manage ASF in the Philippines reflect a broader commitment to addressing the crisis. However, the controversy surrounding the AVAC vaccine underscores the complexities and challenges in combating the disease. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these strategies and technologies will be closely monitored, with the hope of safeguarding the swine industry and ensuring food security for the region.
