July 1, 2024

 

Vietnam and Australia launch alliance for swine biosecurity

Vietnam and Australia launched the National Innovation Alliance for Pig Biosecurity, a collaboration between the Australian Government's Aus4Innovation programme and the National Institute of Animal Sciences under Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Voice of Vietnam reported.

 

The collaboration aims to foster innovation and enhance swine farming biosecurity in Vietnam.

 

At the launch ceremony, critical findings from a comprehensive study on the vulnerability of smallholder pig farmers to biosecurity risks and diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF), were presented.

 

Since 2019, ASF has devastated the industry, particularly affecting smallholders, who make up 99.8% of the sector, due to inadequate biosecurity measures. The inauguration of the Alliance and the study's findings highlight a commitment to improving biosecurity as a primary defence against ASF and other diseases.

 

The study was a collaborative effort involving the National Institute for Animal Sciences, Australia's national science agency (CSIRO), and Charles Sturt University. It aimed to identify biosecurity challenges and innovation opportunities at the smallholder level, engaging with swine producers to collect data and assess vulnerabilities and resilience against ASF within the value chain.

 

Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, said, "The launch of the National Innovation Alliance for Pig Biosecurity is a foundational step towards a secure, sustainable future for swine farming in Vietnam. Adopting innovative biosecurity practices is pivotal not only to improve the livelihoods of farmers but also to ensure the resilience of the food supply chain and manage the environmental impact."

 

"Our financial and technical support to the Alliance underpins Australia's unwavering dedication to serving as Vietnam's trusted partner in innovation and scientific advancement, thereby strengthening the strategic partnership between our nations," he continued.

 

Dr Kim Wimbush, CSIRO counsellor and director of the Aus4Innovation programme, discussed Aus4Innovation's planned support for the Alliance. "Through the CSIRO-managed Aus4Innovation programme, we are dedicated to strengthening the Alliance by way of a comprehensive support strategy. We will provide financial resources to fuel the activities of the Alliance. Moreover, we will actively seek out and deliver expert assistance, offer research advice, and support implementation efforts. Our role also encompasses facilitating and enhancing interactions among members and other elements within the innovation ecosystem to successfully commercialize Vietnam-Australia research outcomes."

 

Dr Pham Cong Thieu, General Director of the National Institute of Animal Sciences, said, "This Alliance marks a proactive move to elevate the standards of Vietnamese swine farming. On the other hand, this insightful research offers a gateway to developing targeted vulnerability and resilience assessment tools, significantly contributing to our collective efforts in safeguarding the pig farming industry."

 

The study, which covered 160 swine farmer households across Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, and Bac Giang provinces, revealed that Hoa Binh was particularly susceptible to disease incursions. The income from pig farming inversely affected disease vulnerability, and the research provides a foundation for future biosecurity policy and practice.

 

The launch of the Vietnam National Alliance for Pig Biosecurity and the study findings represent a significant advancement in addressing the biosecurity challenges facing Vietnam's pig farming industry. Together, they lay the groundwork for innovative solutions and policies aimed at protecting smallholder livelihoods, ensuring food safety, and bolstering the industry's resilience against diseases.

 

This initiative and the study are supported by Aus4Innovation, a ten-year (2018-2028) AUD 33.5 million (US$22.3 million) flagship programme aimed at strengthening Vietnam's innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. The programme is funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by CSIRO – Australia's national science agency and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

-      Voice of Vietnam