The Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. (PAFMI) has expressed concern over the deadlock between the Departments of Health (DOH) and Agriculture (DA) on the control of veterinary drugs and related products.
PAFMI president Nicole Garcia said quick and timely response from the government is needed to contain the spread of African swine fever and bird flu. “These responses may be disrupted if the responsibility for registration, certification and testing of veterinary products remains unsettled,” Garcia said.
The group urged the government to maintain the status quo by extending the validity of a joint administrative order (JAO) which allows the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to register veterinary drugs and products and facilitate the licensing of establishments manufacturing, distributing, exporting and selling them.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar ordered the BAI to stop performing the function after the JAO expired in 2018.
“Animal feeds and veterinary medicine industries need guidance especially with imports nearing arrival and requiring government approvals,” Garcia said. She said a proposed five-year extension would allow time to define the roles and responsibilities that DA and DOH may take to establish authority over concerned industries.“The BAI may have its limitations but it has so far managed the ASF and bird flu problems with considerable success and has put in place protocols that with the cooperation of livestock and poultry farmers could minimize the ill effects of these diseases on these industries,” she added.
Members and stakeholders of PAFMI are hoping that this issue will be settled soon especially since the country is still experiencing threats against ASF and bird flu.
With additional reports: The Philippine Star, Louise Maureen Simeon
Photo Sources: Evialis facebook page, agriculture.com, & Metro news
