(Eagle News)–The government has launched a task force to stop the spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in the country, the Food and Drugs Administration said.
According to the FDA, Task Force Alectryon shall focus on a streamlined evaluation of application of avian influenza drugs and vaccines that are “safe, efficacious, and of good quality..”
In launching the task force, the FDA noted that while the Philippines successfully managed its first HPAI epidemic in 2017, the FDA said the “threat of reemergence persists,” noting that the “widespread infection” among bird populations “contributes to the persistence of viruses within avian species..”
This, it said, heightens “the risk of transmission to other species including economically important ones and even to humans,” which means a “proactive approach” with vaccination playing a crucial role among other strategies “is essential.”
Beyond its impact on animal health, the FDA said avian influenza also poses devastating effects on the poultry industry, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
So far, the FDA said no application for a Certificate of Product Registration of avian influenza vaccine has been submitted.
“The (FDA) encourages the veterinary pharmaceutical industry to submit applications with complete requirements in support of the government’s efforts to control avian flu infection,” the FDA said.
The task force will be led by led by FDA Director General Samuel Zacate.