DA Chief Forms Panel to Study Local FMD Vaccine Production

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering the local production of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines to safeguard the country’s livestock industry from potential outbreaks. Despite the Philippines being free from FMD for a decade, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has initiated the formation of a technical working group to explore the feasibility of manufacturing these vaccines locally.

Recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health as FMD-free since May 2014, the Philippines has maintained this status without practicing vaccination. However, Laurel acknowledges the significant economic impact an FMD outbreak could have and believes proactive measures are necessary.

The DA highlighted that the Philippines has not vaccinated livestock against FMD for decades, though cattle, swine, and goats remain susceptible to the disease. Recent reports of FMD cases in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam have prompted the need for preventive measures.

“To maintain the country’s status [as an FMD-free jurisdiction], and prepare it for contingencies, there’s a need to explore the viability and feasibility of manufacturing FMD vaccines locally to be used in the prevention and control of FMD incursions,” Tiu Laurel stated in Special Order No. 1083 dated July 23.

Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Constante Palabrica, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has been appointed as the chairman of the technical working group. This team will provide technical input to determine the viability and feasibility of local FMD vaccine production.