(Photo from DOST-PCAARRD)

In a bid to reinforce its commitment to combat the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) and secure the future of the country’s swine industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled two locally developed for early detection, rapid response, and long-term prevention of African Swine Fever (ASF), a virus that devastated the Philippine swine sector since 2019.

Through DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and in collaboration with BioAssets Corporation, held a media conference recently to publicly announce the solution to the virus, which became a scourge to local swine producers.

ASF, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever caused by the ASF virus, affects both domestic and wild pigs regardless of age.

Since its detection in the Philippines in 2019, the disease has severely reduced local hog inventory, with numbers dropping from 12.7 million heads in 2019 to 8.75 million in 2024-2025. The significant decline in hog supply has led to pork prices nearly doubling—from ₱224.19/kg to ₱450.00/kg. According to Dr. Synan S. Baguio of DOST-PCAARRD, fluctuations in raw material and animal feed prices significantly impact the overall cost of pork production, thereby influencing market pork prices.

ASF is not transmissible to humans, but its effects on agriculture, food security, and livelihood are severe. There is currently no effective treatment, and while vaccines are under validation, prevention remains the most effective strategy.

Symptoms of ASF include fever, loss of appetite, low energy, weight loss, internal and external hemorrhages, abortion, and sudden death. Because ASF signs resemble those of Classical Swine Fever, laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Innovations for early detection and response

Featured in the event were cutting-edge diagnostics and containment tools, including the TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit and VIPtec® ASFV qPCR Detection Kit, both developed by DOST-ITDI to facilitate and manage fast and field-deployable ASF detection. These equipment-free kits deliver rapid, accurate, and high-quality DNA extraction from blood samples of potentially ASF-infected pigs. With its user-friendly design and optimized performance for locally circulating ASF strains, these kits enable on-site testing in veterinary and agricultural settings, helping to control ASF outbreaks and reduce economic losses.

Also showcased was the first Filipino-made Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory, developed by BioAssets Corporation with support from DOST’s Business Innovation Through S&T Program, which brings diagnostic capability directly to outbreak sites.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the urgency of local innovation, “Napaka-importante na ipakita natin na kayang gawin ng mga Pilipino ang mga teknolohiya na makakatulong sa pag-address sa ating problema sa pagkain.”

(It's very important to show that Filipinos are capable of developing technologies that can help address our food-related problems).

National context and government collaboration

ASF has impacted 76 of the country’s 82 provinces since 2019, with 7 provinces still reporting active cases as of 15 April 2025. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has called for the production of an additional two million hogs annually to meet recovery targets.

To temporarily fill supply gaps, pork imports increased by 25.9% in Q1 2025, with 53.2% of those imports being pork, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Sec. Solidum also emphasized the critical importance of establishing the Virology Institute of the Philippines, not only to combat ASF but also to address other emerging diseases and viral threats.

“With VIP, we can boost our country’s capacity to anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging viral threats—not just for animals, but for plants and humans as well. Why do we need to establish one in the Philippines and why not use other solutions from other countries? Simply because, the strains that we may have may be different from the strains that other vaccines developed in other countries are addressing.”

On the other hand, Blitzkrieg Corporation was also highlighted as one of the companies funded by DOST-PCAARRD to develop test kits for the early and accurate detection ASF. In addition, Secretary Solidum mentioned that the DOST-ITDI has received Php190 million in funding to develop a vector-based subunit vaccine for ASF, which is now in its second year of molecular development.       

Through the National ASF Prevention and Control Program, the DA-BAI has implemented a multi-pronged strategy that includes:

• LGU Engagement – Strengthening coordination with local government units
• Surveillance – Monitoring outbreaks through tools like TUSLOB and VIPTec, providing real-time data for timely interventions
• Biosecurity – Enforcing vehicle disinfection, farm hygiene, and movement control
• Capability Awareness – Training stakeholders to effectively respond to ASF cases
• Repopulation – Supporting hog farmers in rebuilding swine industry after an outbreak occur to ensure food security.

Moving Forward

The DOST, together with DA-BAI, urged all stakeholders—from commercial producers to backyard raisers—to cooperate in enforcing strict biosecurity protocols, report suspected cases promptly, and participate in surveillance and repopulation programs.

DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora also encourages the private sector to provide honest feedback on the usefulness and limitations of these technologies, so that real-world challenges can be effectively addressed.

This initiative aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)