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Philippines Introduces New Technologies to Combat African Swine Fever Amid Vaccine Concerns

Medical Technology

Business Honor - Philippines Fights ASF with Tech Solutions

Business Honor
16 September, 2025

The Philippines unveils new technologies to detect and manage African Swine Fever, amid vaccine concerns.

The Philippines has launched three advanced medical technologies to detect and control African Swine Fever (ASF), a viral disease that is wreaking havoc in the country's swine sector. ASF has struck 76 of the country's 82 provinces, resulting in massive economic losses and food security threats. To counter this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and BioAssets Corporation have engineered a rapid DNA extraction kit and a real-time detection kit that would enable farmers to rapidly diagnose the disease.

These are user-friendly tools, capable of on-site detection in the case of an outbreak. The rapid DNA extraction kit is used to collect and analyze samples quickly, and the real-time detection kit gives results almost instantaneously, allowing for immediate response to stem the spread of the virus. In addition to these, BioAssets Corporation has also brought out a mobile biocontainment laboratory, a portable unit that aids in quick response to outbreaks and supports disease surveillance.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., highlighted that such technological advancements are a complete solution to animal health issues, which are essential in ensuring food security in the nation. Other experts have, however, noted reservations regarding the general contribution of the tools, with Fermin Diaz of Livestock and Meat Business warning that the technologies may actually only amount to short-term measures and not long-term solutions to ASF control.

While these emerging technologies provide dramatic advances in disease diagnosis and control, they also emphasize the continued doubts about the efficacy of ASF vaccines. The Philippines has bought huge volumes of the AVAC vaccine from Vietnam, but with its low farmers' acceptance level due to doubts about its safety and efficacy, among other issues, it has added further barriers to its implementation. As the Philippines continues to fight ASF, these new technologies are key elements of the wider drive to protect the country's livestock and enhance food security. Experts, however, emphasize that vaccines, in addition to diagnostic tools, will be key to fully controlling the disease.