Philippines to accelerate vaccine approval against animal diseases
The Philippines is enhancing veterinary vaccine evaluation and approval to safeguard the animal protein industry and reinforce food security.
With avian influenza (AI) and African swine fever (ASF) continuing to threaten its animal protein sector, the Philippine government is intensifying efforts to safeguard animal health and food security.
In a crucial move, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reinforced their collaboration to regulate and expand access to veterinary vaccines.
DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr Constante Palabrica and FDA Director General Paolo Teston met on May 19 to discuss and agree on strategies to control AI and ASF, both of which have significantly affected the country’s poultry and pork industries.
Vital role of vaccines
This effort highlights the vital role of vaccines in protecting the animal industry from diseases, stabilizing market supply and prices, protecting the livelihood of Filipino farmers, and ensuring national food security.
“Strengthening coordination between the DA and the FDA is a step toward more efficient vaccine regulation, which is critical to maintaining animal health and ensuring the resilience of the [animal protein] industry,” remarked Dr Palabrica.
Coordinated approach
Under the agreement, the DA, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, will oversee testing and evaluation of animal vaccines undergoing the application process.
Meanwhile, the FDA will facilitate compliance with regulatory processes and ensure the safe and effective release of veterinary vaccines.
Mr Teston reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to assisting the DA navigate the regulatory pathways for veterinary vaccines.
Meanwhile, the DA, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, will facilitate the completion of post-marketing Monitored Release requirements and compliance with the regulatory processes of the FDA.
