July 10, 2026
 

Philippines shifts animal vaccine registration from FDA to BAI to speed up approvals

The regulatory transfer comes as the commercial approval of a Vietnamese ASF live vaccine is expected as early as the third quarter of 2026.

The Philippines has transferred regulatory oversight of veterinary drugs, biologics and animal health products from the Food and Drug Administration to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), with the Department of Agriculture issuing Department Circular No. 33 to provide transitory guidelines for the change. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the move would accelerate product registration given the BAI's in-house veterinary expertise and laboratory capabilities.

De Mesa said the timing is critical as the country awaits the commercial approval of AVAC live vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) from Vietnam, which he said could be released as early as the third quarter of 2026. A second vaccine is also under review, though the DA has yet to disclose its identity or origin.

Under the new arrangement, veterinary drugs, biologics and other covered animal health products will be subject to BAI regulatory control prior to manufacture, importation, distribution or sale in the Philippines.

De Mesa also cited progress in ASF containment, reporting a roughly 70% reduction in cases compared with 2025. Approximately 350 cases have been recorded so far this year, down from higher levels the previous year. Cases fell sharply to 72 in the second quarter from 278 in the first quarter. As of 26 June, BAI had logged active ASF cases in 15 barangays nationwide.

- Philippine News Agency