Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to initiate its government-controlled vaccination program in non-red zones, areas without active African swine fever (ASF) cases, to expedite the implementation of the ASF vaccination initiative. This move follows the issuance of DA Administrative Circular (AC) No. 13 on November 19, which amends guidelines under AC Nos. 5 and 8. The amendments aim to address low participation rates and gaps in the existing implementation protocol, thereby mitigating ASF's impact on the country's livestock sector. According to Philippines News Agency, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa explained that the new strategy shifts focus from prioritizing areas with active ASF cases to including regions that have been ASF-free for at least 40 days. This approach is intended to provide protection in case ASF spreads to these regions. The updated AC 13 permits vaccination in barangays free of ASF cases for at least 40 days and those with evidence of ASF negative surveillance in red (infected) and pink (buffer) zones. The updated guidelines also simplify the requirements for farms wishing to participate in the vaccination program. Interested farms must submit an accomplished intent letter, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship agreement, DA or Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) registration, or Animal Welfare Compliance Registration. They must also comply with Farm Biosecurity Classification Level 2 for commercial and semi-commercial farms and Level 1 for small-hold farms. Farms are required to adhere to monitoring schedules and allow inspections from authorized personnel. There are no minimum age or number requirements for pigs to be vaccinated. However, the ASF vaccine is limited to weanling or grower pigs that are at least four weeks old and either apparently healthy or tested negative for ASF prior to vaccination. De Mesa highlighted the effectiveness of DA's efforts, noting a decline in the number of red zones. As of November 22, 369 barangays remain under red zones, a s ignificant reduction from over 500. This improvement underscores the efficacy of controlled activities like vaccination and biosecurity measures, including checkpoints. The DA also plans to enhance checkpoints in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to curb the transport of ASF-infected hogs. Additionally, the DA is preparing to distribute 150,000 doses of AVAC live vaccines following the completion of a rollout of 10,000 emergency-procured doses.