A prominent farmers group in the Philippines has raised opposition to the government’s proposed mass vaccination of hogs to combat the African Swine Fever (ASF). The move comes as the country continues to grapple with ASF outbreaks, which have severely impacted the local pork industry.
The group has expressed concerns over the safety and efficacy of the ASF vaccine, citing a lack of sufficient data from field trials. The vaccine, which was fast-tracked for emergency use, is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus that has decimated millions of pigs since it was first detected in the country.
Unanswered Questions on Vaccine Impact
While the Department of Agriculture pushes for mass vaccination as a potential solution to ASF, the farmers group is wary of unforeseen consequences. They argue that the vaccine’s long-term effects on hogs, including possible adverse reactions or the risk of exacerbating the spread of the virus in certain areas, have not been fully explored.
Furthermore, they highlight that the vaccination program could pose significant logistical challenges, particularly for smaller farms that may lack the resources to implement the program effectively. Concerns about the cost of the vaccine and its accessibility to marginalized farmers have also been raised.
Government Push for Immediate Action
The Philippine government remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the urgency of addressing ASF outbreaks to stabilize pork production and bring relief to hog raisers. The Department of Agriculture aims to prevent further devastation to the local hog industry and is considering nationwide rollout pending the results of initial trials.
However, the farmers group maintains that a more comprehensive approach, which includes stringent biosecurity measures and government support for affected hog farmers, should be prioritized over vaccination alone. They urge a careful evaluation of the vaccine’s risks and benefits before any large-scale implementation takes place.
