Philippines launches animal vaccine programme to support ASF and avian influenza preparedness

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a ₱140.9-million Animal Vaccine Development Program (AVDP) aimed at supporting the country’s livestock and poultry sectors through the development of locally produced animal vaccines.

The programme was formally launched on 15 June by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in partnership with the DA-National Livestock Program, the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Philippine Carabao Center and Central Luzon State University.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the initiative is intended to support the swine and poultry industries, including efforts to address the impact of African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza. Funding has been allocated at ₱77.6 million for 2026, ₱30.6 million for 2027 and ₱32.7 million for 2028, for a total of ₱140.9 million over three years.

A central element of the programme is the establishment of a Biosafety Level 3 facility, which will allow researchers to safely handle high-risk animal pathogens and support vaccine development activities.

Initial research will focus on vaccine candidates for African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The Department of Agriculture noted that while the Philippines remains free of FMD, outbreaks in neighbouring countries continue to pose a potential risk.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said locally developed vaccines could offer advantages over imported products because they can be tailored to pathogen strains circulating in the country. He described the programme as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and improve disease resilience in the livestock and poultry sectors.