Transparency in ASF vaccine results despite any outcomes

In response to concerns from some localities about difficulties in administering the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine for African Swine Fever due to unclear guidelines, Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), stated that there is sufficient legal basis, evidence, and direction from the Prime Minister to vaccinate pigs.

Director Nguyen Van Long clarified that Circular No. 07 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stipulates disease prevention and control for terrestrial animals. It specifies that for diseases with long-established vaccines, specific names are given, while "for new vaccines, the Department of Animal Health advises the Ministry on decisions and directives".

Based on this, when the ASF vaccine became available, the Department of Animal Health advised and MARD issued Document No. 4870 on 07/20/2023, providing clear instructions on the use of the ASF vaccine for fattening pigs.

To support localities, organizations, and citizens in implementation, the Department of Animal Health has advised the Ministry to present five crucial documents to the Prime Minister. Notably, the Prime Minister’s directive mandates that 80% of fattening pigs be vaccinated against ASF according to the Ministry’s guidelines.

To date, over 40 provinces and cities across the country have administered more than 4 million doses of the ASF vaccine to pigs. Results show that the vaccine is effective and safe, with an efficacy rate of 99.5%.

“We have full legal grounds and directives from the Prime Minister regarding the vaccination of fattening pigs against ASF. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also provided very specific instructions, which are crucial for localities to implement effective disease control measures”, emphasized Director Nguyen Van Long.

According to Director Nguyen Van Long, in response to the widespread ASF outbreak and based on directives from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development \, the Department of Animal Health has established over 40 task forces to visit key provinces to assist in organizing and implementing disease control measures.

The Department of Animal Health has worked with media agencies and visited each household that has received the ASF vaccine to assess the results, ensuring transparency, including reporting any unsatisfactory outcomes. Additionally, the Department of Animal Health has intensified public awareness campaigns to educate people on the importance of biosecurity in pig farming and the need to vaccinate fattening pigs against ASF.

To maximize the effectiveness of the ASF vaccine, localities, organizations, and individual pig farmers should pay attention to three key points:

First is timely vaccination: "The best vaccine is the one administered as early as possible". Secondly, vaccination should be conducted simultaneously and uniformly, avoiding vaccinating different herds on different days, to ensure effectiveness. Thirdly, after vaccination, farmers need guidance on better managing their pig herds to prevent or promptly address any issues that arise.

Mr Nguyen Huu Huan, Director of the Hanoi Branch of Navetco Central Veterinary Medicine Joint Stock Company, reported that the company has been authorized by MARD to produce the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine for ASF prevention and control.

Navetco is continuing research on the vaccine for sows and breeding boars to meet the needs of pig farmers. The company has the capacity to produce vaccines for provinces and cities across the country and is prepared to meet demand as localities require.