The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are strengthening their collaboration on regulating vaccines for bird flu and African swine fever (ASF).

Both the DA and FDA recently met to discuss updates on the vaccines as part of the government’s ongoing drive to safeguard the swine and poultry sectors from animal diseases.

During the meeting, both agencies expressed optimism that the commercial rollout of vaccines against ASF and avian influenza will take place before the end of the year.

Currently, some vaccines are undergoing field trials, while others are being reviewed by the Veterinary Technical Advisory Committee (VTAC) of the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Several vaccine candidates have already been endorsed by the DA to the FDA for further evaluation and approval.

According to the DA, both agencies agreed on a streamlined process to guide vaccine developers through trials and product registration.

Essentially, the BAI will formally refer applicants to the FDA, which will then provide regulatory feedback and guidance on necessary steps for vaccine approval.

“Strengthening coordination between the DA and FDA is key to ensuring timely and effective vaccine approval. This will help maintain animal health and support the resilience of our livestock and poultry industries as we prepare for the vaccines’ commercial use,” said Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica.

“We must have regulatory systems in place that guarantee safe and effective implementation,” he added.

The move to foster a stronger collaboration between the DA and FDA comes after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) flagged the two agencies over their overlapping regulatory functions.

In a report, the USDA said the “instances” where the functions of both agencies often cause “confusion especially among exporters interested in entering the Philippine market.”

The DA previously cited the delineation of responsibilities as one of the reasons behind the delay in the commercial rollout of Vietnam-made ASF vaccines.

Under the Food Safety Act, the DA oversees the testing and evaluation of vaccines, but the registration falls under the FDA, the regulatory agency of the Department of Health (DOH).

Moving forward, both agencies have committed to an “enhanced partnership” in vaccine regulations, emphasizing their vital role in protecting animal health, supporting Filipino farmers, and ensuring the nation’s food security.