Vietnam's transparent approach in sharing information on ASF vaccines with WOAH and FAO

A delegation of experts from the US Agricultural Research Institute met with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien on April 22, 2023 in Hanoi. Photo: HT.

Collaborate, share, coordinate

In response to the successful research by US scientists on an attenuated ASF virus strain (ASF-G-Delta I177L gene segment removed), Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development promptly communicated with the US Embassy in Hanoi and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), seeking support.

The ministry invited three US scientists, including Dr. Cyril G Gay, Head of Animal Protection and Breeding Program; Dr. Manuel Borca, Head of the US Exotic Diseases Research Group; and Dr. Douglas P. Gladue, Principal Researcher on ASF. They were welcomed to Vietnam to collaborate on ASF vaccine research.

A pivotal step was the signing of a Framework Agreement (MOU) for technical cooperation between the Department of Animal Health and the Agricultural Research Institute (ARS) of USDA. This agreement laid the foundation for conducting research using US vaccine virus strains, designing testing procedures, and assessing vaccine safety and effectiveness. Subsequently, the production of limited vaccine quantities for testing and trials commenced.

Starting in July 2020, ARS (USDA) officially transferred essential materials, including vaccine virus strains and adapted cell lines, to relevant units in Vietnam. This facilitated the research and production of vaccines to prevent ASF.

After receiving the ASF vaccine virus strain from the United States, Vietnam's prominent vaccine manufacturing enterprises conducted a thorough review with the support of US experts. This involved evaluating the strain's compliance with production requirements, selecting appropriate cells for transfer, and establishing a research process for developing finished ASF vaccine products.

Throughout the evaluation process, encompassing strains, cells, safety, and efficacy, detailed information was consistently updated and shared with ARS. Key collaborators included Navetco Central Veterinary Medicine Joint Stock Company (Navetco), AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company (AVAC Vietnam), and Dabaco Vietnam Group. This collaborative effort emphasizes Vietnam's commitment to transparency, cooperation, and shared progress in addressing the challenges posed by ASF.

WOAH's 90th annual conference was held in Paris, France. Photo: Archive.

In addition to the successful collaboration with the USDA, Navetco, based on the results, worked closely with a group of expert scientists from the United States to announce the breakthrough NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine to the global scientific community. This significant achievement was highlighted through publications in two prestigious international scientific journals, Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.

On June 3, 2022, a momentous ceremony took place in Hanoi, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The purpose was to officially announce the outcomes of the extensive research and successful production of the ASF vaccine - the commercial vaccine NAVET-ASFVAC developed by Navetco.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper commended the effective coordination between Vietnamese and American scientists and agencies in his speech, acknowledging the joint efforts that led to this groundbreaking achievement.

The Announcement Ceremony featured a documentary film that comprehensively illustrated the entire process, from the organization of research to the evaluation and licensing of the circulation of the ASF vaccine.

Proactively share with WOAH and FAO

In line with international and Vietnamese regulations, Vietnam is not obligated to disclose all results and detailed data on veterinary drug research, including veterinary vaccines and the ASF vaccine. However, recognizing the unique challenges posed by the ASF vaccine and its scarcity globally, Vietnam has taken the initiative to share its findings with international organizations, specifically the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

FAO, with its experts working within Vietnam, actively participates in crucial meetings and conferences, where Vietnam consistently reports the progress of ASF vaccine research and production.

Professor Christine Middlemiss, Director, Head of the Veterinary Authority and Deputy Head of the UK Veterinary Authority, and representative of the UK Embassy, visited and worked at AVAC Vietnam on September 28, 2023. Photo: HT.

On June 6, 2022, the Department of Animal Health sent a letter to the Head of WOAH office, Ronel Abila, in Southeast Asia, sharing comprehensive and detailed results of Vietnam's ASF vaccine research and production.

Further collaboration occurred on June 8, 2022, when a joint delegation of experts from FAO and WOAH visited Vietnam. During this visit, the delegation engaged with Navetco and units under the Department of Animal Health. The Vietnamese representatives presented a thorough overview of the research and production of the ASF vaccine.

The international stage was set on May 21, 2023, during the 90th Annual Conference of WOAH held in Paris, France. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien led the Vietnamese delegation, meeting with WOAH General Director Monique Eloit, WOAH Chief Representatives in Tokyo and Bangkok, as well as representatives from various WOAH departments. During this meeting, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien shared the results of Vietnam's ASF vaccine research and production. Additionally, WOAH pledged continued support to Vietnam, signing an agreement to assist in evaluating and refining production processes and expanding the usage of the ASF vaccine.

On July 8, 2023, following the comprehensive pilot using 600,000 doses of ASF vaccine for each vaccine type in the field, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued document No. 4870/BNN-TY dated July 24, 2023. This official document, which details the reasons, evidence, and conclusions, authorized the nationwide use of two types of ASF vaccines: NAVET-ASFVAC and AVAC ASF LIVE. The Department of Animal Health, in its commitment to transparency, shared information and translated the original document 4870/BNN-TY with WOAH Southeast Asia Subregion Representative Ronello C. Abila.

The delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines went to Vietnam to meet with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien on October 11, 2023 in City. HCM. Photo: Hong Tham.

From November 13 to 16, 2023, during the 33rd Conference of the Asia Pacific Regional Committee held in India, the Department of Animal Health leaders presented a comprehensive report on the research and production results, evaluation, and licensing of the circulation of ASF vaccines. The report was shared with WOAH General Director Monique Eloit and other conference delegates.

On November 16, 2023, in India, the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Animal Health engaged in a detailed discussion, providing a comprehensive overview and responding to all questions related to the research, production, evaluation, and licensing of ASF vaccines.

Continuing this commitment to information sharing, from November 21 to 22, 2023, at the 5th WOAH Regional Workshop on pig disease control in Asia and the Pacific in Beijing, China, representatives from the Department of Animal Health reported extensively. They shared information about the ASF epidemic situation in Vietnam and the complete process of research, development, evaluation, official circulation, and use of ASF vaccines in the country.

These events underscore Vietnam's unwavering commitment to fully and promptly sharing information, and research results and evaluating and licensing ASF vaccine circulation with key international organizations such as WOAH and FAO. This collaborative and transparent approach is pivotal in addressing the global challenges posed by ASF and signifies Vietnam's dedication to contributing to international disease control and prevention efforts.

Transparency with the international community

On June 22, 2023, a delegation of experts from FAO and WOAH visited AVAC Vietnam, directly engaging with reports and updates on the research, production, and testing of the whole AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine. Detailed information on each phase of AVAC Vietnam's efforts was provided during this collaborative session.

The Vietnam Department of Animal Health representatives participated in the WOAH International Conference in Malaysia on August 24, 2023. During this conference, they reported, shared insights, and answered questions related to researching, producing, evaluating, and licensing vaccines for circulation in Vietnam.
 

Up to now, the number of AVAC ASF LIVE vaccines produced by AVAC Vietnam is 3.3 million doses. Photo: Hong Tham.

Further affirming its commitment to global cooperation, Vietnam welcomed Professor Christine Middlemiss, Director and Head of the Veterinary Authority of the UK, and Deputy Head of the UK Veterinary Authority, for a visit to AVAC Vietnam on September 28, 2023. The delegation toured the manufacturing facility, received a comprehensive report, and engaged in a detailed discussion covering the entire spectrum of vaccine research, production, evaluation, and licensing, focusing on AVAC ASF LIVE.

On October 11, 2023, a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines visited Vietnam to meet with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien. During this meeting, the Vietnamese side provided a comprehensive report addressing all aspects of the research, production, evaluation, and licensing processes for the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine produced by AVAC Company.

Continuing this global outreach, on November 2, 2023, a representative from the Vietnam Department of Animal Health attending the WOAH International Conference in Australia reported, shared insights, and responded to questions related to the research, production, and evaluation processes, as well as the licensing of vaccine circulation in Vietnam.

Through diplomatic channels and in response to requests from interested countries, the Department of Animal Health organized direct meetings with relevant units, including embassies and senior leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture from countries such as the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Additionally, official written exchanges occurred with countries like Romania and Ukraine. These interactions underscore Vietnam's commitment to openness, sharing crucial information, and fostering international collaboration in the fight against ASF.

From December 5 to 7, 2023, Vietnamese representatives from Navetco, AVAC Vietnam, and the Institute of Veterinary Medicine actively participated in the Global ASF Research Alliance Conference held in Manila, Philippines. During this conference, they shared comprehensive information on the research, production, safety, and effectiveness evaluation of two ASF vaccines—NAVET-ASFVAC and AVAC ASF LIVE.

Technical support and implementation of ASF vaccination in Dominica

In response to a request from the Government Leader of the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development dispatched a delegation of technical staff to support the use of the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine in Dominica from May 15 to June 19, 2023. The outcomes of the vaccine's application demonstrated that NAVET-ASFVAC is safe for vaccinating pigs in Dominica. All vaccinated pigs remained healthy, and exhibited normal eating habits, movement, and development.
 

Dominica asked the Vietnamese side to continue supporting Navetco's NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine for expanded vaccination in this country. Photo: Hong Tham.

On June 26, 2023, the Minister of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, Limber Cruz, issued Official Letter No. MARD-2023-23905 addressed to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. The letter served as an official acknowledgment and an expression of sincere thanks for the effective cooperation between the two governments. In response to this gratitude, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development approved the dispatch of a working delegation to support the vaccination program further and offer guidance on ASF prevention in Dominica.

The Minister of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic highlighted the successful collaboration, emphasizing developing and implementing an effective working program. This program included technical meetings for sharing and exchanging information, sessions for technical guidance, fieldwork days for conducting ASF vaccination, the formulation of surveillance procedures, post-vaccination monitoring, and laboratory testing.

Acknowledging the positive outcomes achieved through the Vietnamese delegation's work plan, the Dominican Republic appreciated contributing to the disease safety of pig herds and pork production in Dominica. Dominica extended a request for Vietnam to continue supporting the use of the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine for expanded vaccination in the country. This ongoing collaboration reflects the success of international cooperation in combating ASF and underscores Vietnam's commitment to sharing expertise and resources to address global challenges in animal health.

Theo: https://vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn