The Department of Agriculture said it was looking into the potential of Ivermectin in preventing and controlling the spread of African Swine Fever, as some lawmakers pushed for the antiparasitic drug as a COVID-19 cure.
Agriculture Sec. William Dar, through an April 30 special order, ordered the formation of a research team for “preliminary field trials of Ivermectin and other agents to produce science-based evidence in support to control and prevention programs of ASF."
The research team was also instructed to formulate and draft policies for the national guidelines in using Ivermectin and other agents to control and prevent the spread of ASF.
The research team is composed of technical advisers from the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, and the Pampanga State Agricultural University.
Ivermectin gained public attention following claims that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 even though health authorities have warned against self-medicating with it due to lack of scientific evidence.
Advocated by politicians, Ivermectin is used to treat lice and worms in both animals and humans.
The trials on the drug's potential to prevent ASF came after the government geared up for clinical trials on its effectiveness for COVID-19 treatment.
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