Philippines readies hog farms for ASF as rainy season approaches

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) warned Philippine hog producers to tighten biosecurity ahead of the rainy season, urging farmers to repair roofing, improve drainage, disinfect facilities and promptly report any signs of African swine fever (ASF). The agency highlighted that damp conditions can facilitate the virus’s spread through water, soil, wildlife and contaminated equipment, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of pig raisers.

The Department of Agriculture also announced that it expects to grant commercial release to Vietnam’s AVAC live ASF vaccine by the third quarter of 2026. The vaccine will be supplied through BAI‑registered biologics stores and veterinary outlets. The move follows years of ASF‑related losses that have cut national hog production to about 1.66 million metric tonnes in 2025, with active cases still reported in several barangays. Officials hope the vaccine, along with a ₱140 million animal vaccine development programme, will accelerate the sector’s recovery, though farm‑gate pork prices remain near production costs and concerns over rising imports persist.