Vietnam has taken another step in bringing its African swine fever (ASF) vaccine to international markets. According to vietnamnet.vn, AVAC Vietnam JSC completed its first commercial export order of the AVAC ASF Live vaccine to the Philippines. The shipment followed the vaccine’s approval for commercial circulation in the country.
The latest shipment consisted of 100,000 doses, completing a 300,000-dose order for the Philippine market. The delivery marks an important milestone for the Vietnam-developed vaccine as it moves into wider commercial use overseas.
Philippine approval paves way for wider use
Nguyen Van Diep, AVAC Vietnam General Director, said the company secured its first commercial export order after the vaccine gained unrestricted circulation in the Philippines.
Dr Diep said the Philippine Department of Agriculture is expected to issue guidance on the vaccine’s use in the coming week. The guidance would provide the basis for broader distribution and application of the vaccine in the country.
The approval follows a lengthy process of testing and evaluation before Philippine authorities cleared the product for unrestricted commercial use.
As of May, a total of 500,000 doses of AVAC ASF Live had been administered to pigs in the Philippines. Evaluation results showed the vaccine has a high safety profile, providing an important basis for the country’s decision to allow unrestricted commercial circulation.
Dr Diep said major livestock companies and partners in the Philippines welcomed the shipment as AVAC delivered it on schedule.
Building on the partnership, Philippine partners will visit Vietnam next month to observe vaccination models at medium- and small-scale pig farms. The visit will give them an opportunity to learn from practical experience in vaccination programs and disease management.
Additional studies remain underway
The Philippines currently permits the use of AVAC ASF Live in fattening pigs only. Preliminary assessments found the vaccine safe in sows, but authorities are conducting further studies before considering registration.
Nguyen Thi Huong, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Veterinary Science and Technology Association, described the successful development of an ASF vaccine as a major achievement by AVAC Vietnam and its team of scientists.
She said the lengthy approval process reflected the strict standards international markets apply to animal health products.
According to Dr Huong, the first commercial shipment creates new opportunities in the Philippine market. It also highlights the quality of vaccines developed and manufactured by Vietnamese companies.
The milestone highlights growing recognition of Vietnam-developed animal health products beyond the domestic market.