The Department of Agriculture (DA) will focus on immunizing red and yellow zones in a bid to eradicate the African swine fever (ASF) in the country.

ASF has tremendously affected domestic hog growers, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed during the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Discussion on Tuesday.

In his third SONA on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported the government’s readiness to release the ASF vaccine to address the spread of ASF and protect raisers from losses.

“Well, ASF or African swine fever is really a big problem sa ating pork industry. And, iyong solusyon nga dito nga nakikita, of course one is biosecurity. But biosecurity alone is not enough in our opinion,” Laurel said.

“So, iyong ASF vaccine which was recently approved, na once we have ASF vaccine which has recently approved, ay baka ibi-bid out na ng DA ito this August,” he added.

“At hopefully by September, ma-implement na. Titirahin natin at babakunahan natin iyong mga red areas or red zones and yellow zones and hopefully to eradicate this for the pig growers.”

Laurel committed to exhaust all means to help the government get rid of ASF by the end of the year.

ASF is a contagious and deadly viral swine disease affecting domestic and feral swine of all ages. Fortunately, the virus cannot be transmitted to humans. PND