March 25, 2025 | 16:50 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Wednesday- 14:32, 23/02/2022

Prospect of producing African Swine Fever vaccines

(VAN) The vaccine to prevent African Swine Fever (ASF) seems promising to be commercialized when the virus becomes a regular hazard to the pig farming business.
African swine fever is a threat because there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Photo: Tuan Anh.

African swine fever is a threat because there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Photo: Tuan Anh.

On February 22, experts from world-famous universities offered their perspectives on the ASF situation at the virtual technical broadcast of protein animals held by the U.S Soybean export council (USSEC). The African Swine Fever is a big threat to the regional swine industry as the virus spreads to 17 Asian nations including Vietnam till February 5, 2022. Although the ASF virus is impossible to transmit to humans yet it produces a high rate of fatality among pigs and hogs with rapid spread. As a result, vaccine research and development is a critical option to cope with the disease in long run.

According to Dr. Cassandra Jones, Professor in Kansas State University (US), there are three sets of contenders in the ASF vaccine development race comprising naturally attenuated vaccine, cell-passage attenuated, and gene-deleted attenuated. Of this, creating vaccination by deleting the I177L gene (or ASF-G-ΔI177L in brief) exhibits 100% protection against virulent field strains from Vietnam and effectiveness in local Vietnam breeds and European cross-bred pigs.

Besides the vaccine aspect, the American specialist also underlined the requirement of creating a biological feed mill to restrict the spread of ASF pathogen. Accordingly, the research group did a field study on the ASF virus in Vietnam. The result showed that 17 of 2,328 samples by PCR test from feed supply chain had ASF viral gene. Of which 7 instances relate to feeding trucks, accounting for over half.

Dr. Cassandra Jones, Professor of Kansas State University (USA) shared about the possibility of ASF virus infection in the feed supply chain.

Dr. Cassandra Jones, Professor of Kansas State University (USA) shared about the possibility of ASF virus infection in the feed supply chain.

Although the proportion is minor, at 0.7 percent in total sample tests it shows the possible dangers of pathogen transmission during the process of feed supply from the infected area to disease-free areas.

Dr. Casandra also suggested a number of options to prevent the ASF virus from spreading in the feed supply chain, such as ensuring buyers' understanding of feed suppliers, limiting the use of grains from contaminated areas, ensuring biosecurity throughout the food production and transportation system such as building biosecurity feed mills; cleaning and disinfecting the means of transport and production materials regularly…

According to experts, the ASF vaccination race is far from over; numerous promising research projects are being funded by various organizations, and numerous animal experiments are currently under... Thus, the development of an ASF vaccine is closer than ever.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a vaccine against African swine fever is scheduled to be announced between the end of the first quarter and the start of the second quarter of 2022, following the completion of trial work. Vietnam now has three businesses studying and manufacturing ASF vaccines: Navetco, RTD, and Dabaco. Additionally, the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture and the Institute of Veterinary Medicine have adopted numerous synergistic solutions in the vaccine's research.

Since January 20, 2022, African swine fever has spread to 321 communes, 36 provinces, and cities, prompting the destruction of about 19,600 pigs.

Author: Linh Linh

Translated by Linh Linh

Chinese scientists expand AI in crops breeding to boost yield and improve varieties

Chinese scientists expand AI in crops breeding to boost yield and improve varieties

(VAN) Cutting-edge biotechnologies, information technologies, and AI, along with achieving quantitative data collection and intelligent data analysis, can further enhance breeding innovation efficiency.

Potential for cooperation in forecasting technology between China and Vietnam

Potential for cooperation in forecasting technology between China and Vietnam

(VAN) On March 24, the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VMHA) hosted a working session with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources, led by Minister Li Guoying.

Minister Li Guoying: 3 proposals for cooperation in water resources research

Minister Li Guoying: 3 proposals for cooperation in water resources research

(VAN) Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying proposed 3 key areas for Vietnam-China cooperation in water resources science: river-sea dynamics, remote sensing technology, and dam safety.

Vietnam - China cooperate in water resources management for sustainable development goals

Vietnam - China cooperate in water resources management for sustainable development goals

(VAN) Leaders of China’s Ministry of Water Resources and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) agreed to closely coordinate to effectively manage and regulate the water of the Mekong - Lancang River.

Resolve the issues in the investment project to free up land resources

Resolve the issues in the investment project to free up land resources

(VAN) According to Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan, resolving the issues in the investment project must focus on the goal of freeing up land resources, bringing about economic and social benefits.

Ministry of Agriculture and Environment launches to respond to the World Meteorological Day

Ministry of Agriculture and Environment launches to respond to the World Meteorological Day

(VAN) On March 24, with the authorization of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Hydrometeorology held a launching ceremony to respond to the World Meteorological Day 2025.

Living green with organic cosmetics

Living green with organic cosmetics

(VAN) Organic cosmetics made from natural ingredients are increasingly attracting the attention of consumers who are adopting a green lifestyle.

Read more