Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that the approval process for animal vaccines will now be faster under the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). This development follows the issuance of Department Circular (DC) No. 33, which outlines the transitory guidelines for licensing establishments, granting licenses to operate, and certifying veterinary product registrations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the BAI.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BAI will exercise regulatory control over veterinary drugs, biologics, and other animal health products before their manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale in the Philippines. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa emphasized that this change will lead to a more efficient registration process. He noted that the expertise of veterinarians within BAI laboratories will expedite processing in the animal industry.

De Mesa highlighted the urgency of this transition with the impending commercialization of AVAC live vaccines against African swine fever (ASF). He stressed the critical timing, citing the need for vaccinations as hogs face various diseases during this season. Under BAI's purview, the commercial approval of AVAC live vaccines from Vietnam is anticipated in the early third quarter of this year, with another vaccine's approval expected shortly thereafter. However, the DA has not yet revealed details about the additional vaccine or its origin.

Furthermore, de Mesa pointed out a significant reduction in ASF cases, with a nearly 70 percent decrease this year. He reported about 350 cases compared to 2025, with cases dropping from 278 in the first quarter to 72 in the second quarter. As of June 26, the BAI recorded 15 barangays with active ASF cases.