By Animal Empathy Philippines, February 4, 2025
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a continuing threat to pig welfare across southeast Asia.The virus causes severe suffering and high mortality in pigs. This blog explores the ongoing fight against ASF in the Philippines, the actions taken by the government since the beginning of the outbreak, and the areas that we believe need further improvement.
Overview of the effects of ASF on swine welfare in the Philippines
The African Swine Fever (ASF), first identified in Kenya in 1921 and reaching Asia in 2018, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs, which causes significant suffering and mortality. Prior to death, infected pigs suffer from a range of symptoms including abnormal breathing, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea with bloody discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty standing, heavy eye and nose discharge, and coma.
In 2019, the swine industry in the Philippines was devastated by the outbreak of ASF. The industry is a vital sector of the economy, and is the largest among the livestock and poultry industries in the Philippines, with a value of almost PHP 250 billion. According to the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), this industry is divided into two types of farms: backyard and commercial. Backyard farms, housing 1 to 40 hogs, account for almost 63% of the national swine inventory in 2020, while commercial farms, housing more than 20 adult hogs or over 40 young hogs, make up the remaining 37%.
The ASF outbreak has led to higher pork prices and affected the livelihoods of many Filipinos. This economic downturn is coupled with the suffering and death of pigs, with at least 5,000,000 pigs being culled since the outbreak in the country. As of December 2024, ASF outbreaks have occurred in 76 of its 82 provinces.
Actions taken by the Philippine government:
Response and Mitigation:
At the onset of the outbreak in 2019, the Philippine government allocated PHP 82.5 million (~1.4M USD) for preventive measures to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI). In the same year, the DA mandated a zoning plan to contain the outbreak, which was to be followed by local government units. Two years later, the DA launched the 'INSPIRE Program' and the 'Bantay ASF sa Barangay' (BABay ASF) Program, twin initiatives that aim to restore the sector's capacity to produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork locally by 2023. These two programs eventually led to the creation of the National ASF Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP), which focuses on preventing and managing ASF through LGU engagement, enhanced surveillance, strengthened biosecurity measures, and public awareness campaigns.
Prevention and Control:
Currently, efforts by the DA-BAI are focused on prevention. In August 2024, the DA established livestock checkpoints to curb the rapid spread of ASF in Batangas, which is believed to have been worsened by the actions of unscrupulous hog traders selling diseased pigs. In the same month, the DA-BAI launched its ASF vaccination program in Lobo, Batangas, the municipality with the highest number of ASF cases. The rollout used the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine, developed in Vietnam, but faced scrutiny due to its unproven status and the lack of transparency regarding Vietnam's trial data. Despite these concerns, two months after the initial vaccinations, DA-BAI reported promising progress, noting improved pig immunity 28 days post-inoculation. The agency also announced plans to roll out 150,000 additional doses as soon as the next batch of vaccines arrives from Vietnam. Inspection stations remain operational to prevent the spread of animal diseases, including ASF and Avian Influenza. Additionally, PHP 1.25 billion has been allocated to support the recovery of the hog industry, as pork retail prices remain high due to supply shortages.
The need for a more comprehensive animal welfare policy approach
Current measures such as vaccination programs, zoning plans, and biosecurity initiatives aim to control the spread of ASF and support the recovery of affected communities. However, AEP emphasizes the importance of using a more animal welfare-centered approach into these efforts. Focusing too heavily on the economic impact of the outbreak without addressing the root causes of ASF may lead to ineffective solutions. To create a more sustainable and ethical approach to effectively combat ASF, AEP suggests the following:
Improved Biosecurity Measures and Policies: Stress and poor living conditions weaken pigs' immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. Since ASF thrives in unhygienic environments, the government must invest in educating farmers and providing financial and technical assistance to create healthier conditions for their animals. This is especially crucial for backyard farmers, who account for more than half of the national swine inventory. While there is an existing mandate requiring farmers participating in the repopulation program to meet Biosecurity Level 1 standards, AEP believes this mandate must be further strengthened. Enhanced enforcement, along with support for infrastructure improvements, can help ensure compliance and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Capacity Building Among Animal Handlers: In addition to improving living conditions for pigs, AEP highlights the importance of fostering behavioral change among animal handlers. Proper hygiene standards can significantly enhance animal welfare and reduce disease transmission. Promoting a culture of compassion and ethical treatment can lead to significant improvements in the welfare of pigs and help mitigate the spread of diseases like ASF. Simple changes such as ensuring access to clean water and minimizing rough handling can help pigs lead healthier, less stressful lives. Government agencies should create training programs that instill humane handling practices among farmers, transporters, and workers.
Stricter Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act: Strengthening the implementation of existing animal welfare laws is crucial to promoting humane practices throughout the industry. From transportation to slaughter, every stage of the production process must adhere to established welfare standards to minimize stress, pain, and suffering in pigs.
Promoting Alternatives to Intensive Pig Farming: The overreliance on intensive pig farming contributes to increased disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and animal suffering. Beyond shifting to more ethical farming practices, promoting alternative protein sources can help reduce the demand for industrial pig farming. Governments and advocacy groups should support research and development in these industries, as well as provide incentives for businesses and consumers to adopt these alternatives.
African Swine Fever has been around for nearly a century, yet it continues to inflict suffering on both pigs and the swine industry. Since its detection, efforts have largely focused on how to quickly revive the industry and mitigate economic losses, often overlooking the pigs' inherent ability to heal when provided with a healthy and stress-free environment. Instead of focusing solely on economic recovery, it may be time to return to the basics—prioritizing the animals’ well-being and welfare as a fundamental part of disease control. By upholding a more animal-welfare approach to this problem and ensuring pigs live in humane and sanitary conditions, we can not only prevent future ASF outbreaks, but also build a more ethical and compassionate livestock industry.
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