Global and US veterinary officials have reported that African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines being tested in Vietnam are close to approval.
ASFÂ has disrupted the global pork market for years and a vaccination would be a major breakthrough in tackling the deadly disease. After decades of failed attempts to create a vaccine due to the complexity of the virus, two possible vaccines co-developed by U.S. scientists being tested in pilot schemes by Vietnamese companies are showing ‘very promising’ results.
Gregario Torres, head of the science department at the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), spoke to Reuters and said: “We have never been so close to get a vaccine that may work.” He reported that the current trial has “probably the highest chances to succeed” and be authorised for sale worldwide.
Approval has been granted for pilot commercial use for both vaccines. The next step will be nationwide authorisation and possible sales overseas, the first ever for an ASF vaccine.