The National Veterinary Laboratory of the Republic of Vietnam produced an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine that was intended to protect domestic flocks and to create an export market. According to Reuters, administration of the vaccine has been suspended as 600 hogs in the central Province of Phu Yen died following immunization presumably from ASF.
The Agriculture Ministry has subsequently disclosed that the "break" was due to inappropriate administration of vaccine leading to inadequate immunity. Corrective measures have been implemented. ASF has been endemic in Vietnam since 2019 and is present in 47 provinces.
The USDA has developed an effective ASF vaccine under test in Vietnam and the Philippines where the disease is regionally endemic.
Control of ASF will not be possible without a safe and effective vaccine that provides immunity to recipients with transfer of maternal antibodies to farrowed piglets.