Finding solutions to control dangerous diseases in pigs

One Health Consulting Co., Ltd. and Vetlatech Joint Stock Company organized a seminar on August 30, attracting the participation of many businesses in the fields of livestock production and animal health, universities, and the One Health network of universities.

According to Le Thi Thu Ha, CEO of Vetlatech Joint Stock Company, recently, African swine fever (ASF) has continued to break out in many localities. The Prime Minister has signed telegrams and issued directives focusing on synchronous, drastic and effective implementation of varied solutions to prevent and control livestock and poultry diseases. During the process, the number one priority is to strictly carry out measures to prevent and control African swine fever.

Through the seminar, the organizers hope to connect, share knowledge, and propose solutions to control dangerous diseases in pigs in the context of the complicated developments of African swine fever epidemic. “We want to spread useful information in order to keep dangerous diseases in pigs under control. This will prove valuable to those in need specifically farms and veterinary staff across the country. Vietnam's livestock industry in general can thus develop more and more sustainably,” said Ms. Ha.

The speakers gathered at the seminar were experts, scientists, and lecturers in the fields of infectious diseases, biology, and animal husbandry. The discussed topics included: Control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS); New biosecurity approaches; Early PCV2 infection and vaccination failure; Strategies for eliminating ASF virus and controlling PRRS at a stable level in breeding and commercial pigs; Prevention and control of ASF by vaccination; Update on actual laboratory testing data and current disease control trends; Diversifying approaches in disease control and food safety.

On this occasion, five books related to the issue of controlling African swine fever were introduced. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hai, Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry presented two books, namely "African swine fever - The challenge of the century for the pig farming industry" and "Testing and diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in pigs".

The book "Herd immunity gap and the problem of early infection of piglets with PCV2" came from MSc. Nguyen Van Non, Cargill Vietnam Company. The next book was "New biosecurity to control dangerous diseases in pigs" written by two authors Dr. Do Tien Duy (Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry) and Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan. Lastly, Dr. Dinh Xuan Phat (Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry) introduced the book "Vaccines and vaccine production" to the seminar.

As a veterinarian who received training in the USA with a major in molecular virology, Dr. Dinh Xuan Phat hoped that he would provide readers with knowledge about vaccines and vaccine production through the book "Vaccines and vaccine production". He wished to introduce readers to modern vaccines, as well as approaches to producing a vaccine for a new pathogen, such as the process to produce vaccines for influenza, blue ear disease, PCV2 causing stunting in pigs, and particularly ASF vaccines.