The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) shows its support by allocating Php 40-M for the development of intensified diagnostic strategies including mass production of rapid test kits for the African Swine Fever (ASF) monitoring.
This is part of the Php 80-M commitment of the Department through the DA-National Livestock Program (NLP) and DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in line with the instructions of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to elevate and accelerate the DA’s effort in combatting ASF.
Deemed as ASF Virus Nanogold Biosensor, the test kits can be used as rapid screening test for ASF biosecurity, monitoring, and surveillance in the country at a much cheaper and faster rate.
Dr. Clarissa Yvonne J. Domingo of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) developed the technology in partnership with DA-BAI.
Further aimed to revive the hog industry, these ASF Virus Nanogold Biosensor Test Kits are to be utilized as component activities by the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” (BABay ASF) Program of DA.
A meeting vis-à-vis the research for development (R4D) project on the development of intensified diagnostic strategies including mass production of rapid test kits for ASF were attended by various officials and staff from CLSU, DA-BAI, DA-NLP, DA-National Meat Inspection Services, DA Biotech Program Office, and DA-BAR on 28 January 2021 via video conferencing.
For sustainability of the project, DA-NLP already have developed the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” budget for 2022-2023 in order to ensure the availability of test kits, as well as other polymerase chain reaction tests, hence, continue the surveillance and control of ASF.
“There should be a proper documentation and monitoring relative to the technology assessment of the kits, as well as a safety and efficacy assurance from DA-BAI,” DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril said as regards to the investment that will be done by the bureau.
Meanwhile, DA-BAR Research Program Development Division head Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera mentioned that proposal should also provide plans on the commercialization and sustainability of the technology, and not only on the mass production