Improving disease prevention and control capacity for livestock farming in Vietnam

Currently, African swine fever (ASF) is a dangerous infectious disease that affects pigs, and has been classified as an epidemic under Circular No. 24/2019/TT- BNNPTNT by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). While ASF is not transmissible to humans, its rapid spread can destroy entire herds, resulting in devastating economic losses, damaging livelihoods and threatening the agricultural sector.

Faced with the challenges caused by ASF, the Department of Animal Health, the National Institute of Animal Health and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) have conducted a number of studies and projects in Vietnam.

Realizing the urgent need for effective disease prevention and control measures, the Department of Animal Health, the National Institute of Animal Health and ILRI jointly organized the workshop "From Research to Policy: Improving Animal Disease Prevention and Control in Vietnam" held on October 17-18, 2024 in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province.

The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between research and policy, focusing on sharing the latest research findings related to ASF prevention and control both domestically and internationally. Speakers presented on a wide range of topics, including an overview of the current ASF situation in Vietnam, innovative approaches to disease control, progress in vaccine development, and success stories from stakeholders in the livestock industry.

Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health (MARD), highly appreciated the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation, stating: “To effectively control ASF, we need strong coordination among government agencies, research institutions, businesses, international partners, and, most importantly, pig farmers. This work will be supported by research that is synthesized and analyzed to inform the formulation of policies that respond to animal disease challenges.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Shirley Tarawali, Deputy Director General of ILRI, emphasized the importance of the workshop: “Addressing these challenges requires intensive effort from all stakeholders. The integration of research findings into policymaking is crucial for developing effective disease prevention and control strategies. Together, we can make a significant difference in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock sector and thus realize the full contribution of livestock to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.”

A significant outcome of the workshop was the development of actionable recommendations for the upcoming National Plan on ASF Prevention and Control (NPAPC) for 2026-2030. Participants identified the need for enhanced public-private partnerships to strengthen the effectiveness of ASF response strategies. 

The collaborative effort underscored the necessity of integrating scientific evidence into policymaking, ensuring that the latest research findings inform and influence decision-making processes.