"Dr Ronnie de Castro, DOST-PCAARRD Industry Strategic S&T Program Manager for Swine, said that the ASF test kits will ensure faster but very reliable diagnosis on field."

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — Although living on the other side of the planet, virologist and veterinarian Homer Pantua coordinates closely with other researchers in the Philippines in fighting the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.

Based in California, USA, Pantua is a Balik-Scientist tapped by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help make diagnostic kits and surveillance program, as well as evaluate vaccines. The ASF virus has been ravaging the hog industry since 2019. Agriculture officials said it has caused at least P100 billion in economic losses as of May 12.

Pantua founded the Bioassets Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. It currently supports DOST's ASF projects.

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