Vietnam close to developing the vaccine against African Swine Fever

9.7.2019

Question for written answer E-002200-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniel Buda (PPE)

At the beginning of July this year, the Ministry of Agriculture in Vietnam said that the National University of Agriculture in Vietnam was close to developing a vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF). So far, the vaccine has been tested in the university’s lab and in three farms located in the Northern part of the country. The first studies show that 31 of the 33 vaccinated pigs have been cured as a result of the treatment. The pigs, in other farms in the region, which have not been vaccinated, died because of the virus.

The study has revealed that the vaccinated sows bore perfectly healthy piglets. The Minister of Agriculture said that they would send infected meat samples from the surviving animals to animal health international organisations for detailed research. Vietnamese researchers believe that wider testing of the vaccine might help earlier production of an efficient medicine.

What actions can the Commission take to support international studies and to identify solutions against ASF?