Vietnam Greenlights Commercial Use of First African Swine Fever Vaccines
July 24, 2023In a significant breakthrough for the country’s pig farming industry, Vietnam has approved the commercial use of its first vaccines against African Swine Fever (ASF). This decision comes as a response to ongoing efforts to control the devastating disease that has severely impacted pig populations and the pork industry worldwide.
The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has given its approval for two vaccines, initially to be deployed across five provinces. The vaccines have been developed through a collaborative effort by several local enterprises, demonstrating Vietnam’s growing capability in scientific research and technological development in animal health.
ASF is a highly infectious and lethal disease in pigs with mortality rates approaching 100%. Since its introduction into Vietnam in 2018, it has caused the culling of millions of pigs, disrupting the country’s pork supply and impacting the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
With no effective treatment available, controlling the spread of ASF has primarily relied on biosecurity measures and the mass culling of infected and at-risk pigs. The introduction of the ASF vaccines is therefore seen as a game-changer. Not only will it aid in controlling the disease, but it is also expected to significantly reduce economic losses and protect the livelihoods of pig farmers.
MARD officials are optimistic about the vaccines’ impact. If successful, they plan to expand the vaccination program nationwide, thereby safeguarding the country’s pig farming industry and ensuring a stable pork supply.
The approval for the commercial use of ASF vaccines in Vietnam is an important development in global efforts to manage and control the disease. It offers hope for other countries battling ASF and highlights the crucial role of scientific research in combating such infectious animal diseases.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s endorsement of the first ASF vaccines is a milestone for the country’s pig farming industry and could potentially revolutionize the global approach to managing and controlling ASF.
