Scaling up research on African Swine Fever vaccine on sow and piglet models

On April 21, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien met with the Department of Animal Health and related units to discuss the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccination paperwork. Recognizing that the announcement of the ASF vaccine is a turning point for not only domestic husbandry but also global animal health, the agricultural leader urged research and testing departments to archive documents and collaborate with global animal health to create vaccination standards and criteria.

"The commercial manufacturing of ASF vaccine is critical, requiring a deliberate approach based on scientific and practical considerations," the Deputy Minister stated.

According to the MARD chief, government authorities are also optimistic about the potential and development of ASF vaccine commercialization. Vietnam has been through the toughest challenges, including characterizing the viral strains isolated in the field and establishing a favorable biological environment for the virus to adapt and multiply in large numbers. ..

ASF virus is classified into 23 lines based on the sequence of the gene encoding protein P72, and each line demonstrates a wide range of virulence, antigenicity, and genetic features. Additionally, the P72 protein serves as the foundation for several tests that assist in the diagnosis of ASF virus-infected pigs.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien raised the issue with vaccine makers. Due to the fact that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has not yet released detailed instructions on the ASF vaccination, capturing natural- or virus-based antibodies remain challenging.

"The manufacture of ASF vaccines must take into consideration the potential of sale to other countries and must anticipate the requirements of partners' standard test kits," the Deputy Minister suggested. 

ASF began in Vietnam in 2019, spreading to 63 provinces and cities within seven months, resulting in a loss of around VND 30,000 billion. During the outbreak, 6 million pigs were destroyed, resulting in a decrease in pork output; at times, pork prices reached above VND 100,000 per kg. To address the situation, three companies namely AVAC Vietnam Company Limited, NAVETCO Central Veterinary Medicine Joint Stock Company, and Dabaco Vietnam Group have engaged in the vaccine research.

All three firms' laboratory test findings were hopeful. The Department of Animal Health estimates that the ASF vaccine will likely be announced this year, or perhaps in the second quarter of 2022, based on the actual survey scenario at these three units.

While this is exciting, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien explained that some nations have strict vaccination standards, even indicating that the injection object is commercial items or the process of fertilization and embryogenesis. As a result, he proposed that commercial vaccine makers broaden their study subjects to include sows and piglets, rather than focusing just on pigs, in order to provide a comprehensive product that is adaptable to a wide range of markets.

"We must first have a thorough knowledge of the epidemiological features before suggesting a strategy for preventing epidemics, developing vaccinations, and resolving post-inspection concerns. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed that the unit would only disclose the ASF vaccination if it passes all standards," the Deputy Minister added.

Mr. Tran Xuan Hanh, Deputy General Director of NAVETCO Central Veterinary Medicine Joint Stock Company, stated that the company was fully prepared with the materials and equipment necessary to manufacture the ASF vaccine immediately upon obtaining a license.

Despite owning the technology and production line for the ASF vaccine, NAVETCO officials stressed the importance of properly monitoring the post-vaccination surveillance stage. "Because this is a novel vaccination, we must anticipate a variety of reaction possibilities," Hanh explained.

To resolve the issue, the Deputy General Director proposed that the Department of Animal Health appoint a direct focal point of contact to the regional or provincial Sub-Department of Animal Health, as these are the units that administer vaccinations directly to farmers. NAVETCO is dedicated to collaborating closely with the veterinary system to expand the use of ASF vaccination in the next years.