June 2, 2022

Vietnam announces first African swine fever vaccine developed for commercial use

Vietnam has announced that it has developed the world's first African swine fever (ASF) vaccine developed for commercial use and export, Reuters reported.

Phung Duc Tien, Vietnam's Deputy Agriculture Minister said the new vaccine provides immunity lasting six months and will protect the swine industry as well as global pork production.

The new ASF vaccine was developed in partnership with the US since November 2019. Five clinical trials have been held for the vaccine.

Tien said the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture confirmed its safety and efficacy.

He did not say when the vaccine would be available for export or give an estimate of Vietnam's production capacity.

Although the swine fever outbreak in Vietnam has subsided, allowing farmers to rebuild their hog herds, the virus continues to wreak havoc on farms in other countries.

ASF was first detected in Vietnam in February 2019. The country was forced to cull about 20% of its swine herd last year to prevent the spread of the disease.

-      Reuters