The Department of Agriculture (DA) will conduct preliminary field trials of Ivermectin and other agents to prevent and control the dreaded African swine fever (ASF), which has decimated local hog farms.
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued Special Order (SO) 310 which called for the creation of an inter-agency research team for ASF Control and Prevention.
The research team will conduct preliminary trials using Ivermectin and other agents with pharmacological properties under the government’s ASF control and prevention program, according to the document.
Dar instructed the research team to “prepare research proposals on the use of Ivermectin, ASF Buster, Cloud Feed and other potential products for the control and prevention of ASF.”
The inter-agency group would also “conduct preliminary field trials of Ivermectin and other agents to produce science-based evidence in support to control and prevention programs of ASF.”
Dar ordered the group to “formulate and draft science-based policies for the national guidelines in using Ivermectin and other agents in the control and prevention programs of ASF.”
The group is also responsible for collaborating with international research institutions to conduct experiments to “support claims in the use of Ivermectin and other agents.”
Dr. Rene C. Santiago, OIC-Assistant Director for Production and Research of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will lead the program while Dr. Claro N. Mingala, OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research of the Philippine Carabao Center will serve as assistant program leader.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. William C. Medrano, National Livestock Program Director Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco and BAI OIC-Director Dr. Reildrin G. Morales were tapped as technical advisers.
Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that has gained infamy in the Philippines after certain quarters pushed for its use to cure Covid-19 despite the lack of regulatory approval.
ASF Buster is an “external and oral disinfectant spray to kill bacteria and neutralize viruses,” according to the web site of its creator, Alizin PH.
The disinfectant spray contains hydrogen peroxide and zinc which are “highly negatively charged solution that will attract most virus and bad bacteria since they are living in the environment with Hydrogen Ion positive polarity,” Alizin PH said.
Alizin PH said ASF Buster “is the animal grade for Alizin Spray,” another product of the company that can “easily destroy viruses including Covid-19.” ASF Buster costs P9,500 per gallon, according to Alizin PH’s web site.
Alizin Spray was invented by Ismael Aviso, who was arrested by the Philippine National Police last year for allegedly selling fake Covid-19 medicine online.
Dar announced that the DA has launched the trial of a possible ASF vaccine in partnership with 10 private companies.
He said one of the DA’s partner-companies for the ASF vaccine trial tests is Zoetis Inc., the largest producer of medicine and vaccination for pets and livestock.
In February, Dar formed a technical working committee that would oversee the ASF vaccine development and manufacture in the country.
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