The Department of Agriculture (DA) has invested P6.4 million in a state university research that seeks to provide vital information in the development of vaccines against animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and bird flu.
In a news statement issued on Monday, the DA said it has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) to provide the agri-fishery sector with access to cutting-edge technologies in accurately detecting and effectively addressing emerging animal diseases.
“The launch of this project is both timely and relevant, as it marks a new milestone in our efforts to boost our capacity to accurately detect and effectively manage emerging animal diseases, including that of transboundary diseases, here in Central Luzon and nearby regions,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said during the MOA signing last August 8.
“Supporting this project can help us in a big way in the future. Let us tap the best of molecular science and all biotechnology tools available for the very problems we have in the country. Let us not waste time,” Dar added.
The DA said PSAU’s project, titled “DNA Analysis for Accurate Diagnosis of Emerging Deadly Viruses among agri-fisheries of Central Luzon” will receive a P6.4-million funding from its attached agency, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
“[PSAU’s project] is expected to provide information that can be used by drug manufacturing industries to build custom design vaccines that specifically target the viral strains present in a locale,” the DA added.
The DA explained that the project will use reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing to “determine the true-to-type species, or genotypes, on the causative agent of emerging deadly viruses, including ASF, Newcastle Disease, avian flu, tilapia lake virus, and white spot syndrome virus.”
The project would also measure disease occurrence, reduction, severity as well as analyze their transmission, according to DA.
Dar commended PSAU’s contribution in managing the ASF outbreaks in Central Luzon but challenged the university “to continually develop and enhance its capacities in research and development.”
Dar has instructed BAR and PSAU “to reassess the availability and capacities of various animal disease diagnostics research facilities in effectively addressing and managing diseases not only in livestock but also in fisheries.”
“Enhance your capacity through this existing facility because we need to start working now for that potential pandemic that may come from zoonotic animal diseases. If you have the best minds, the younger generation who has the right training, then you are ready and we shall be able to solve any problems along with those issues of transboundary animal diseases,” he said. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas
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