Vietnam’s AVAC completes 300,000-dose vaccine order for Philippines
The final batch contained 100,000 doses of the African swine fever vaccine. Philippine authorisation currently covers fattening pigs only.
AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company dispatched 100,000 doses of AVAC ASF LIVE to the Philippines on October 10, fulfilling an order for 300,000 doses. General Director Nguyen Van Diep said the order was the company’s first commercial export following Philippine approval allowing unrestricted circulation of the African swine fever vaccine.
Diep said the delivery arrived on schedule. The Philippine Department of Agriculture is expected to provide guidance on using the vaccine, ahead of broader distribution.
By May, pigs in the Philippines had received 500,000 doses of AVAC ASF LIVE. Evaluations found a high level of safety, supporting the decision to approve commercial use without restrictions. However, Philippine permission currently applies only to fattening pigs. Initial findings on safety in sows were satisfactory, but additional research and assessment are continuing before registration for sows can be considered.
Philippine partners are expected to travel to Vietnam to study vaccination practices on small- and medium-scale pig farms, including disease management and practical experience with vaccination programmes, Diep said.
Nguyen Ngoc Son, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, called for stronger technical support for farmers. He said vaccines prevent disease rather than treat infected pigs, and that effectiveness also depends on storage, injection methods, husbandry and herd health.
