ASF Vietnam: Vaccination results positive, expansion soon

The US-based Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) quoted Vietnamese media from September 2022, in which positive vaccination results were shared as well as encouragement for stricter control were shared. The SHIC wrote, “Following a vaccination trial performed by the Vietnam Department of Animal Health on 2 farms with 258 pigs, officials said 20 localities have now deployed vaccinations with a total of more than 21,000 doses following all appropriate guidelines.”

ASF Vaccine trial in northern Vietnam

The deputy minister as well as other representatives of Agriculture and Rural Development visited a family farm in Vinh Phuc province in northern Vietnam. They observed a vaccine trial there. On one of the farms where the pigs got the ASF vaccine in 2 rounds, several pigs had mild fevers but all were stable at the time of the farm visit.

Temporary vaccination suspension

Earlier in September, Pig Progress reported about a temporary suspension of the vaccination trials after several adverse results, as deaths of ASF vaccinated pigs occurred in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Quang Ngai provinces. The officials commented that uncontrolled vaccination processes, out of compliance with ministry guidelines, at incorrect ages and dosages caused this. They said that the supply and sale of vaccines directly to veterinarians and farmers for self-vaccination caused the deaths of post-vaccination pigs.

Expansion of ASF vaccinations intended

As a result of their positive findings in Vinh Phuc province, ministry officials intend to expand ASF vaccinations soon. Their plans are to deploy up to 600,000 doses. Stricter control of the vaccination process, in accordance with the guidelines of the ministry, Department of Animal Health instructions, and with the correct vaccination targets will guide the process. Supervision to evaluate effectiveness of the vaccine will continue.