July 26, 2023

Vietnam approves world's first commercial vaccines against African swine fever

Vietnam has approved the domestic commercial use of two locally developed vaccines, NAVET-ASFVAC and AVAC ASF LIVE, against African swine fever (ASF), the world's first commercial vaccines to combat ASF, Reuters reported.

NAVET-ASFVAC was co-developed by Navetco Central Veterinary Medicine and US scientists, and AVAC ASF LIVE was developed by AVAC Vietnam JSC.

With the approval of these vaccines, the possibility of international sales could emerge, heralding a significant breakthrough in combatting the global disruption caused by African swine fever, which has severely impacted the US$250 billion global pork market.

ASF has caused immense losses, with China, the world's largest swine producer, experiencing a devastating outbreak in 2018-19, resulting in the loss of about half of its domestic swine population and estimated losses of over US$100 billion.

The government's statement revealed that Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture has instructed the companies to devise production plans for both domestic sales and potential exports.

The vaccines underwent rigorous testing, with over 650,000 doses administered to swine herds in 40 provinces, showing an impressive efficacy rate of 95%.

Looking beyond Vietnam, US Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack expressed that precautionary purchases could be of interest in the US, despite the country having been spared from ASF so far.

-      Reuters