Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Wednesday initial local trials for an African swine fever vaccine had showed promising results, raising hopes that it will soon be available in the country to combat the deadly animal disease.
A number of vaccines have been tested worldwide as authorities rush to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease that ravages pig farms and the $250 billion global pork industry regularly. One vaccine candidate is close to approval in Vietnam.
Marcos, who also heads the agriculture ministry, said preliminary clinical trials showed the vaccine produced sufficient antibodies and was safe to use so far, but needed further testing.
In the Philippines, African swine fever remains a major concern for hog raisers as millions of pigs have already been culled since the first local outbreak was detected in 2019.
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