DA, FDA Tighten Oversight on ASF, Bird Flu Vaccines Ahead of Possible 2025 Rollout

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are intensifying collaboration to ensure the safe and efficient regulation of vaccines targeting African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI), with the goal of commercial rollout before the end of 2025.

According to a DA news release, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and FDA officials met on May 19 to align efforts, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the livestock and poultry sectors, which are essential to national food security and employment.

Dr. Constante Palabrica, Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock, and newly appointed FDA Director General Atty. Paolo Teston, led discussions on vaccine updates, regulatory pathways, and future rollout plans.

Several ASF and bird flu vaccines are currently in field trials, while others are under review by the BAI’s Veterinary Technical Advisory Committee. A number of candidates have already been submitted to the FDA for evaluation.

Palabrica emphasized the need for synchronized regulatory systems to ensure timely approvals and effective implementation. Meanwhile, the agencies also discussed efforts to crack down on the illegal online sale of unregistered vaccines. The FDA noted that enforcement responsibilities lie with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

A proposed joint framework with DA, FDA, DICT, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to address regulatory and enforcement gaps, including stricter inspections at ports to prevent technical smuggling and product misdeclaration.

This strengthened DA-FDA alliance is expected to play a critical role in supporting Filipino farmers, protecting animal health, and ensuring food supply stability across the country.