RP mulls purchase of dairy cow semen from Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand — The Philippines is willing to explore the possibility of buying hybrid dairy cows semen from Thailand provided the World Animal Health Organization or Organization de Epizooties (OIE) protocols on animal diseases are obtained.

The Philippines and Thailand plan to engage in a dairy cooperation program that will hopefully allow the Philippines to achieve its goal of food security in dairy production.

The possibility of sourcing hybrid Holstein-Friesian dairy cow semen from Thailand was raised following visits to the Biotechnology for Livestock Production of the Department of Livestock of Thailand and at the privately-owned Farm Chockchai in the Pakchong district of Nakhon Ratchasima.

Farm Chokchai, privately-owned by the Bulakul family, said it adheres to strict disease control and prevention practices and implements strict vaccination against major diseases including anthrax and FMD.

While Thailand has developed a strong domestic dairy industry, it has been unable to secure clearance from the OIE as being completely-free of the dreaded foot-and-mouth disease or FMD.

Having a 5,656 kilometer land border with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, Thailand finds it “nearly impossible” to ensure that FMD-infected cattle do not cross into Thailand, according to Amb. Prasas Prasasvinitchai.

Prasasvinitchai said Thailand itself is FMD-free, but adds that it is “nearly impossible” for the country to prevent the entry of possibly FMD-contaminated animals from its neighbors Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar which are not FMD-free.

Prasasvinitchai welcomed with enthusiasm the Philippines interest in its frozen semen production.

However, he acknowledged the need for proper protocols to be met should such a transaction be allowed to occur.

National Dairy Authority (NDA) Administrator Grace J. Cenas said sourcing frozen semen from Thailand as well as livestock would be ideal as it would lead to lower cost.

However, she noted that because of Thailand’s inability to secure an FMD-clearance, the importation of livestock is not likely.

BAI Director Dr. Efren Nuestro expressed willingness to check the OIE protocols and requirements needed with regard to the importation of possible frozen semen from Thailand.

He stressed though that such a transaction would only happen if Thailand is able to meet the OIE requirements.