THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to start vaccinating swine herds against the African Swine Fever this Friday, August 30.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said there had been delays because of a case filed versus certain Bureau of Animal Industry officials before the Ombudsman. Laurel did not elaborate on the complaint but said certain officials needed to be replaced before the vaccinations could push through.
Despite this, the DA is targeting to begin vaccinations this week.
“We will try our best this Friday,” Laurel said.
Laurel said the vaccination will remain voluntary for hog raisers who are willing to participate.
“Freedom of choice to ng ating mga magbababoy. Kung gusto nila, we will do it. Kung ayaw nila, okay lang din. It’s a free country, no? Hindi tayo mamimilit,” Laurel said.
An initial batch of 10,000 doses for the government-controlled vaccinations has been procured for the program. This will be provided for free for small-time raisers in Batangas.
Laurel said the agency is also working to get another batch of 150,000 doses.
Around P350 million has been earmarked by the agency for the vaccination program. Laurel said the DA can allot P300 million more if needed. (ABS-CBN News)
