DA to conduct trials on use of Ivermectin vs ASF
PRELIMINARY trials using the anti-parasitic medicine Ivermectin and other agent with pharmacological properties will soon be conducted in the African Swine Fever (ASF) control and prevention program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a Special Order No. 301, Series of 2021 issued by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, an inter-agency research team was created tasked to conduct said preliminary trials.
The research team will be headed by DA Undersecretary for Livestock, Dr. William Medrano as one of the technical advisers.
Other technical advisers are Dr. Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, National Livestock Program (NLP) director and Dr. Reildrin Morales, officer-in-charge, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) while the program leader is Dr. Rene Santiago, OIC-BAI’s Assistant Director for Production and Research.
Among the duties and responsibilities of the research team include the preparation of research proposals on the use of Ivermectin ASF buster, Cloud Feed and other potential products for the control and prevention of ASF and to conduct preliminary field trials of Ivermectin and other agents to produce science-based evidences in support to control and prevention program of ASF.
The team is also tasked 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 and collaborate with international institutions to conduct experiments to support claims in the use of Ivermectin and other agents.
In the same order, it was stated that the expenses to be used by the team in research activities will be charged to NLP subject to auditing.
