ASF early detection kits launched by DOST
The DOST said that the launch was made in an effort to reaffirm their fight against ASF and protection for the Philippine swine industry.
Two of the technologies revealed in the launch were the TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit and the VIPtec® ASFV Real-time PCR Detection Kit, both to be used for fast and field-deployable ASF detection.
Through the kits, farmers will now be able to extract accurate DNA from the blood of potentially infected pigs in a user-friendly manner on-site.
The TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit is equipment-free. Meanwhile, DOST's Filipino-made Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory helps bring diagnosis straight to the outbreak site.
Since 2019, ASF has affected 76 out of 82 Philippine provinces, bringing up pork imports to 53.2% in the second quarter of 2025 to fill up gaps in the pork supply. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- GMA Network
DOST unveils early detection kits for ASF
In a bid to reinforce its commitment to combat the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) and secure the future of the country's swine industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), unveiled three locally developed technologies for early detection, rapid response, and long-term prevention of African Swine Fever (ASF), a viral disease that devastated the Philippine swine sector since 2019. Through the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with DOST-Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), and BioAssets Corporation, a media conference was recently held to publicly announce the solution to the virus, which was a major challenge to local swine producers. ASF, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever caused by the ASF virus, affects both domestic and wild pigs regardless of age. Since its detection in the Philippines in 2019, the disease has severely reduced local hog inventory, with numbers dropping from 12.7 million heads in 2019 to 8.75 million in 2024-2025. The significant decline in hog supply has led to pork prices nearly doubling—from ?224.19/kg to ?450.00/kg. According to Dr. Synan S. Baguio of DOST-PCAARRD, fluctuations in raw material and animal feed prices significantly impact the overall cost of pork production, thereby influencing market pork prices. ASF is not transmissible to humans, but its effects on agriculture, food security, and livelihood are severe. There is currently no effective treatment, and while vaccines are under validation, prevention remains the most effective strategy. Symptoms of ASF include fever, loss of appetite, low energy, weight loss, internal and external hemorrhages, abortion, and sudden death. Because ASF signs resemble those of Classical Swine Fever, laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. Innovations for early detection and response Featured at the event were cutting-edge diagnostics and containment tools, including the TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit and the VIPtec® ASFV Real-time PCR Detection Kit—both developed by DOST-ITDI to enable fast, field-deployable ASF detection. These kits provide rapid, accurate, and high-quality DNA extraction from the blood samples of potentially ASF-infected pigs. Designed to be user-friendly and optimized for locally circulating ASF strains, the tools support on-site testing in veterinary and agricultural settings, aiding in the control of ASF outbreaks and the reduction of economic losses. Notably, the TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit is equipment-free. Also showcased was the first Filipino-made Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory, developed by BioAssets Corporation with support from DOST's Business Innovation Through S&T (BIST) Program, which brings diagnostic capability directly to outbreak sites. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the urgency of local innovation, 'Napaka-importante na ipakita natin na kayang gawin ng mga Pilipino ang mga teknolohiya na makakatulong sa pag-address sa ating problema sa pagkain.' (It's very important to show that Filipinos are capable of developing technologies that can help address our food-related problems). National context and government collaboration ASF has impacted 76 of the country's 82 provinces since 2019, with 6 provinces having active cases as of 11 July 2025, which consequently, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has called for an additional production of two million hogs annually to meet its recovery targets. To temporarily fill supply gaps, pork imports increased by 25.9% in Q1 2025, with 53.2% of those imports being pork, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Solidum also emphasized the critical importance of establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), not only to combat ASF but also to address other emerging diseases and viral threats. 'With VIP, we can boost our country's capacity to anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging viral threats—not just for animals, but for plants and humans as well,' explained Solidum. 'Why do we need to establish one in the Philippines and why not use other solutions from other countries? Simply because, the strains that we may have may be different from the strains that other vaccines developed in other countries are addressing.' On the other hand, Central Luzon State University was also highlighted as one of the institutions funded by DOST-PCAARRD to develop test kits for the early and accurate detection of ASF. In addition, Solidum also mentioned that the DOST-ITDI has received Php190 million in funding to develop a vector-based subunit vaccine for ASF, which is now in its second year of molecular development. Through the National ASF Prevention and Control Program, the DA-BAI has implemented a multi-pronged strategy that includes: ? LGU Engagement – Strengthening coordination with local government units ? Surveillance – Monitoring outbreaks through tools like TUSLOB and VIPTec, providing real-time data for timely interventions ? Biosecurity – Enforcing vehicle disinfection, farm hygiene, and movement control ? Capability Awareness – Training stakeholders to effectively respond to ASF cases ? Repopulation – Supporting hog farmers in rebuilding swine industry after an outbreak occur to ensure food security. Moving Forward The DOST, together with DA-BAI, urged all stakeholders—from commercial producers to backyard raisers—to cooperate in enforcing strict biosecurity protocols, report suspected cases promptly, and participate in surveillance and repopulation programs. DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora also encourages the private sector to provide honest feedback on the usefulness and limitations of these technologies, so that real-world challenges can be effectively addressed. This initiative aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
1 Tondo blast victim set for surgery; 3 others in ICU — DOH
The six victims of an explosion in Tondo, Manila are currently undergoing medical treatment due to the severity of their injuries. According to a statement Tuesday, the six victims are recuperating at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) following the explosion. Three of the victims had undergone surgery and are now recovering at the surgical intensive care unit, while another victim is set for surgery due to facial injuries. DOH also shared that the youngest victim was a 14-year-old, who received traumatic brain injury with multiple fractures on the legs, arms, and gashes on the head and torso. Meanwhile, two other victims have been discharged after being treated for minor injuries. The six victims are recipients of the zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals recently enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following his fourth State of the Nation Address. According to an earlier report from Unang Balita, the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon at Tayuman and Dagupan Streets in Barangay 234. The blast left the victims bloody and injured on the sidewalk, including the 14-year-old victim who was declared in critical condition. Barangay authorities reported that the victims were scavengers working on the sidewalk when the explosion occurred. Police said the explosion was caused by a compressor the victims were attempting to salvage for parts. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
ASF early detection kits launched by DOST
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Tuesday unveiled three early detection kits for African Swine Fever (ASF). The DOST said that the launch was made in an effort to reaffirm their fight against ASF and protection for the Philippine swine industry. Two of the technologies revealed in the launch were the TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit and the VIPtec® ASFV Real-time PCR Detection Kit, both to be used for fast and field-deployable ASF detection. Through the kits, farmers will now be able to extract accurate DNA from the blood of potentially infected pigs in a user-friendly manner on-site. The TUSLOB® Rapid DNA Extraction Kit is equipment-free. Meanwhile, DOST's Filipino-made Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory helps bring diagnosis straight to the outbreak site. Since 2019, ASF has affected 76 out of 82 Philippine provinces, bringing up pork imports to 53.2% in the second quarter of 2025 to fill up gaps in the pork supply. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
