ASF vaccine for sows and boars urgently needed

Experience from Hai Duong

As a locality pioneering in large-scale ASF vaccination for pig herds, Hai Duong province has taken a proactive approach to disease control. According to Mr. Vu Van Hoat, Director of the Hai Duong Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Fisheries and Animal Health, in accordance with the Prime Minister's Directive No. 41/CT-TTg on the drastic and synchronous implementation of measures to prevent and control African Swine Fever (ASF), along with guidance from the veterinary authority, the province deployed ASF vaccination in late 2024, with nearly 50,000 doses used for porker herds.

Mr. Hoat said that during the vaccination process, the province monitored and took samples to evaluate post-vaccination efficiency. After 28 days, 181 samples were taken from 17 farming households across 15 communes in 8 districts. The results showed a 100% protection rate, with vaccinated pigs remaining healthy, showing good growth, and developing full immunity. All vaccinated pigs in 2024 were sold.

Sharing Hai Duong's experience in ASF vaccination, Mr. Vu Van Hoat said that during the deployment process, the Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Fisheries and Animal Health advised the province, particularly specialized agencies, to organize training sessions for local veterinary staff, especially commune-level veterinarians. These training sessions aim to equip them with the knowledge needed to guide farmers in correctly implementing vaccination protocols.

In addition, prior to vaccination, it is necessary to focus on boosting the pigs' immunity. The vaccine must be administered to the right pigs at the right time, as it is currently recommended only for porkers over four weeks of age. Vaccinating the wrong target group or against official recommendations may pose serious risks to farmers.

During the vaccination process, close monitoring of the pig herd's health is essential. Any abnormal reactions must be addressed promptly. After vaccination, it takes more than 20 days for pigs to develop immunity. This period is considered an immunity gap, during which disease outbreaks may still occur if biosecurity practices are not strictly followed.

"For the past few years, Hai Duong has used the ASF vaccine developed by AVAC Vietnam JSC with positive results and high levels of protection. Some large pig farming enterprises in the province were initially hesitant, but after being persuaded, they vaccinated over 600 heads, and all have shown effective protection. To date, the province has carried out vaccinations in more than 14,000 households," Mr. Hoat emphasized.

Prospects for ASF vaccine in sow herds

According to Mr. Hoat, the ASF vaccine is currently approved only for porkers, which limits the ability to establish a comprehensive herd immunity. He expressed the wish for the early development of a vaccine for sows, boars, and replacement gilts to help farmers implement more effective vaccination and move toward comprehensive herd immunity, thereby enhancing the sustainable effectiveness of ASF prevention and control.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, owner of a large-scale pig farm in Thach That district, Hanoi City, stated that there was a time when his business was on the verge of collapse due to ASF. However, thanks to the use of AVAC's vaccine in combination with biosecurity measures, his farm's operations have gradually stabilized.

"Over the past year, from May 2024 to June 2025, I used a total of 5,000 doses of AVAC's ASF vaccine and successfully sold 5,000-6,000 pigs at prices exceeding VND 70,000/kg. This is not only an impressive financial result but also a clear demonstration of the vaccine’s effectiveness," Mr. Tung emphasized.

Mr. Tung added that he has so far used AVAC's ASF vaccine exclusively for porker pigs. However, he is particularly hopeful that a vaccine for sows, key animals that determine the success or failure of the entire production chain, will soon be available.

Vietnam is the first country in the world to successfully produce ASF vaccines. As of now, three ASF vaccines have been licensed for commercial circulation in Vietnam and have started to be exported to several Southeast Asian countries. These vaccines include NAVET-ASFVAC of National Veterinary JSC (NAVETCO), AVAC ASF LIVE of AVAC Vietnam JSC, and DACOVAC-ASF2 of Dabaco Group JSC.

Mr. Vu Dang Dong, Director of Dabaco’s Veterinary Diagnostic Center, said that as of February 28, 2025, Dabaco's ASF vaccine had officially received approval for commercial circulation from the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Regarding the ASF vaccine for sows, Mr. Dong noted that Dabaco is making efforts to develop a solution in response to practical demands from pig farmers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Diep, General Director of AVAC Vietnam JSC, said that AVAC's AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine was licensed in July 2022 and officially commercialized in 2023. To be approved for commercial circulation, the vaccine had to undergo a rigorous research process and comply with strict regulations set by state agencies. The company conducted trials and supervised vaccinations across nearly 600 farms before unrestricted commercial circulation. In addition to domestic distribution, AVAC's ASF vaccine has also been exported to international markets, such as the Philippines and Indonesia.

According to AVAC's leader, the company has completed a research dataset based on six experimental projects conducted on sows. The results of these projects were submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health in June 2024.

Over the past year, AVAC has coordinated with the Central Veterinary Drug Testing Center I to develop and perfect vaccine standards for mass production. Based on research data in northern Vietnam, AVAC's vaccine has been proven to be completely safe for use in pig breeds, including both sows and boars.

"We are looking forward to the review, evaluation, and approval to expand the use of AVAC's ASF vaccine for sows and boars so that it can be widely applied in practical pig farming," Mr. Diep said.