African Swine Fever has affected most of the Philippines since 2019, and several provinces still have active cases. The disease threatens pig farms and local food supplies.
The Department of Science and Technology and a local company introduced three new tools: a rapid DNA extraction kit, a simple real-time detection kit for farmers, and a mobile biocontainment laboratory for on-site testing and response.
The government also imported a vaccine from Vietnam, but some farmers and experts question its use. International agencies say there is no cure and control mainly relies on culling, stronger farm hygiene and movement restrictions.
Difficult words
- province — a large area inside a country with local governmentprovinces
- extraction — the act of taking something out from a substance
- detection — the process of finding or noticing a problem or thing
- biocontainment — methods and equipment to keep biological risks contained
- vaccine — a medicine that helps the body make protection against disease
- cull — to remove or kill animals to control diseaseculling
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could stronger farm hygiene help stop the disease in pig farms?
- What are the advantages of having a mobile biocontainment laboratory near farms?
- Would you trust a vaccine from another country, such as Vietnam? Why or why not?
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