3 days ago
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
