Vietnam’s African Swine Fever Vaccine Breakthrough Could Aid Global Pork Industry

The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has been having devastating effects on the pork industry in the Philippines. The disease, although harmless to humans, is highly contagious and deadly for pigs, causing significant losses to farmers and the industry.
Vietnam has recently approved an African Swine Fever vaccine for domestic use, which could potentially revolutionize the global pork industry, especially in regions struggling with ASF outbreaks. The vaccine, however, has not yet received international approval.
Vietnam will send 150,000 doses of its African swine fever vaccine to the Philippines on Thursday, according to state media reports. This delivery is part of a larger order of 600,000 doses placed by the Philippine government.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) warned about the use of substandard vaccines, highlighting the importance of quality and safety in fighting ASF. Vietnam’s vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and approval processes, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.
AVAC, a company that has been at the forefront of combating African swine fever, had already exported 300,000 doses of the Vietnamese vaccine to the Philippines earlier in 2023. These doses were reportedly used for evaluation purposes. In addition to the Philippines, AVAC is actively seeking approval for its vaccines in other countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Myanmar, and Nigeria. AVAC’s general director, Nguyen Van Diep, shared that Vietnam had approved two vaccines for domestic use in July 2023, making it the first country to do so.
The Philippines’ decision to supply Vietnam’s vaccine underlines the growing global recognition of its potential to address the ASF crisis. By working together, countries can leverage innovative solutions to protect their pork industries and ensure food security. As the world struggles with the challenges posed by infectious diseases, Vietnam’s ASF vaccine offers a glimmer of hope for a more resilient future.