USDA Announces ASF Vaccine Success

USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says one of its African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine candidates prevents and effectively protects both European and Asian bred swine against the current Asian strain of the virus. The onset of immunity was revealed in approximately one-third of the swine by second week post-vaccination, with full protection in all swine achieved by the fourth week.

These findings show that a commercial partner can replicate the experimental results and prevent the spread of the virus.
A commercial vaccine for ASF will be an important part of controlling the disease in outbreak areas. Researchers will continue to determine the safety and efficacy of the vaccine under commercial production conditions and are closely working with their commercial partner in Vietnam.

ARS scientists say the vaccine candidate has the ability to be commercially produced while maintaining its efficacy. The researchers say this is a major step for science and agriculture as they work to see the vaccine commercialized through the U.S. government and its commercial partner Navetco (National Veterinary Joint Stock Company).

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Fantastic news! This scientific breakthrough may be the answer to reducing or even eliminating ASF over time and sparing the U.S. from experiencing an outbreak in our herd. This advancement could potentially save millions of pigs from being euthanized due to ASF and prevent billions of dollars in losses. It means pork producers can remain profitable and market their pork to hungry consumers across the globe. Thanks to USDA-ARS!