Promptly bringing Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine to commercial production

Deputy Minister of MARD Phung Duc Tien and executives of MARD units collaborated with Dabaco Vietnam Group in Bac Ninh on July 12 to discuss the production progress of ASF vaccine and the developments in livestock production during the first six months of 2024.

The leadership of Dabaco Vietnam Group reported to the working delegation that the company's production and business activities evolved successfully and sustained sustainable growth during the first six months of 2024.

In 2024, the animal feed production sector is anticipated to reach nearly 1 million tons, with the number of breeding chickens supplied to the market spanning from 60 to 70 million. At present, the sow herd is home to more than 50,000 sows, with an average productivity of 32-34 offspring per sow per year.

At present, Dabaco Group is emphasizing the completion of investment proceedings for large-scale pig farming projects in the provinces of Bac Kan, Lang Son, and Quang Ninh to augment the sow herd to approximately 60,000 sows. Furthermore, they are currently in the process of expediting the completion of the project to upgrade and expand the vegetable oil pressing facility, which is anticipated to be finalized by mid-2025.

The Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine protects 80-100%

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, underscored the substantial harm that African swine fever has inflicted on Vietnam's livestock industry. There have been 632 outbreaks of African swine fever in 44 provinces and cities since the beginning of 2024, resulting in the culling of over 40,500 piglets. This represents a 3.25-fold increase from the same period in 2023.

The mortality rate of the African swine fever virus can reach 100%, and it can persist for an extended period in the environment and porcine products. This is why the development of a vaccine that is both safe and efficacious has become more critical than ever.

Nguyen Nhu So, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dabaco Vietnam Group, disclosed that the organization has administered approximately 300,000 doses of the Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine to its internal swine farms. The vaccine was found to be safe and to provide 80-100% protection in vaccinated piglets, as evidenced by the positive results of the post-vaccination antibody tests performed through rigorous testing.

Mr. So underscored the significance of selecting the optimal age for vaccination in addition to completely vaccinating the pigs. In order to obtain the highest level of protection, the vaccination must be administered prior to the virus entering the farm.

Mr. So also observed that Dabaco's participation in vaccine production is a valuable addition to the company's closed ecosystem model. The company has been adhering to the 3F (Feed - Farm - Food) model, which encompasses vaccine research and production, thereby concluding the ecosystem from breeding, feed, farming, vaccination, and processing.

The Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine has been successfully produced by Dabaco, making it the third company in Vietnam to successfully research and produce a vaccine for African swine fever. This achievement has helped to alleviate concerns as the disease is showing signs of re-emergence in various localities within the country and globally, according to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

Scientists have assessed and determined that the Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine effectively manages African swine fever in the field, thereby making a substantial contribution to the stabilization of pork prices, the reduction of losses, and the preservation of pig populations, as well as the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Increasing the speed of GMP certification for the Dacovet vaccine plant

Nguyen Nhu So, Chairman of Dabaco Vietnam Group, is optimistic that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, particularly the Department of Animal Health, will provide substantial assistance in recognizing GMP standards for the Dacovet vaccine production plant in order to accomplish these goals. The GMP-standardized Dacovet Plant, with a planned capacity of 200 million vaccine doses annually, will guarantee the high-quality and efficient commercial production of the Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine. This will create opportunities for vaccine export to countries with a high demand for swine farming.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards are essential and mandatory for facilities that are involved in the production and business of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. The factory's professionalism and reputation are also demonstrated by the acquisition of GMP certification, which guarantees that the products are safe for use and satisfy the registered quality.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien, Director of Dacovet Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Co., Ltd., reported on the Dacovac-ASF2 African swine fever vaccine trials, stating that the procedures and legal documentation for the research are essentially complete. The plant is also in the final phases of the evaluation for GMP/GLP/GSP certification, which is necessary for the registration of vaccine circulation.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien underscored the necessity of expediting the completion of the procedures for Dabaco to obtain GMP certification, which will facilitate the commercialization of the Dacovac-ASF2 vaccine at the new plant. He expressed his admiration for the Group's dedication to vaccine research and development, which has provided Vietnam's livestock industry with a glimmer of optimism.

Dabaco is presented with a substantial opportunity in the international market by successfully producing a vaccine to prevent African swine fever, which also addresses the domestic food security issue. Consequently, the Deputy Minister encouraged the pertinent departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including the Department of Animal Health and Dabaco, to work in close collaboration, promptly resolve any issues, and concentrate their personnel and resources on fulfilling any outstanding obligations. The objective is to expedite the commercialization of the Dacovac-ASF2 African swine fever vaccine as soon as feasible.

Dabaco has engaged a consultancy to conduct a survey of all major pig farms within the Group and is currently in the final stages of certification and coding the construction of carbon credits at Dabaco Thanh Hoa Co., Ltd. The company has also reported on the greenhouse gas inventory in livestock farming to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.