TO FURTHER improve the country’s response to African Swine Fever, the government will establish an animal disease research center in the province of Nueva Ecija.

The research center will serve as the repository for animal vaccines and other equipment for disease management; provide planning and risk analysis expertise; and train animal health workers.

“This project envisions the creation and operation of the center that shall lead the conduct of surveillance, diagnosis and control, mapping, epidemiology, timely information dissemination, research and emergency management in case of the emergence of transboundary animal diseases,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

Dar said Central Luzon State University will allocate at least 10,000 square meters for the construction of the research center. The funding will come from the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

The Agriculture department’s Bureau of Animal Industry will partner with state universities and colleges to implement the project.

“The BAI will also conduct collaborative activities with SUCs, and will designate personnel at the center should the need arise. CLSU will be in charge of hiring personnel and hosting the center for various development projects of government agencies, veterinary colleges, and research institutions,” Dar said.

Among the SUCs included in the project were CLSU, Isabela State University, Cagayan State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Tarlac State University Pampanga State Agricultural University, Cavite State University, Central Bicol State University, Visayas State University and Central Mindanao University.