The export of AVAC Vietnam JSC’s African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine to Indonesia marks a significant step forward in the global reach of Vietnam’s veterinary vaccine industry. This milestone was achieved after the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture approved the use of AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine through Decision No. 3693/KPTS/PK.350/FI.04/2025 dated April 23, 2025.
AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine is a product of AVAC Vietnam JSC’s research and production. It is the world’s first attenuated live vaccine successfully developed and commercialized to prevent ASF, a highly contagious disease that has caused significant losses to the global livestock industry.
NAVIGATING INDONESIA’S STRINGENT REGULATORY PROCESS
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Diep, CEO of AVAC Vietnam JSC, the company has supplied nearly 4 million doses of the vaccine to the market. Over 3 million doses have been used in Vietnam with remarkable results, helping to control ASF in various localities such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Quang Ngai, and Tra Vinh. The vaccination campaigns were supported by local budgets, and no recurrence of the disease was observed after vaccination, ensuring the safety of the pig herds.
In addition to its domestic success, AVAC ASF LIVE has been exported to the Philippines and Nigeria, with over 500,000 doses receiving positive feedback from these markets. On June 9, 2025, a batch of 120,000 doses was officially exported to Indonesia through PT. Biotis Prima Agrisindo, a local importer and distributor located in Curug, Gunung Sindur Kab. Bogor, West Java.
Prior to receiving marketing authorization in Indonesia, the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine underwent a rigorous three-year evaluation process involving the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biology at IPB University. Field trials involving 300 pigs demonstrated the vaccine’s safety and high level of efficacy in disease prevention.
“AVAC ASF LIVE is currently in the process of registration in several other countries, including India, Malaysia, Nepal, and Myanmar. The company maintains a reserve of approximately 1.5 million doses to address emergency situations.”
“The fact that our product has passed the stringent regulatory processes is a testament to the quality and effectiveness of Vietnam’s domestic vaccines,” expressed Dr. Diep. “We are confident that AVAC ASF LIVE is the most effective vaccine available today, backed by the richest dataset of evaluation and real-world usage worldwide.”
The representative from Indonesia, who was present at the AVAC Vietnam JSC factory to receive the vaccine shipment, emphasized that the approval of AVAC ASF LIVE is a significant milestone in Indonesia’s strategy to control ASF. It contributes to protecting the pig population and ensuring food safety in the country.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GLOBAL MARKET
Despite its positive outcomes, the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine also faces challenges in penetrating domestic and international markets. Dr. Diep pointed out that one of the significant obstacles is the absence of official standards for attenuated live ASF vaccines from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Consequently, each country must assess the vaccine’s efficacy and safety based on its internal resources and references from markets like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Addressing the domestic market, Dr. Diep candidly discussed the reasons behind the limited use of the ASF vaccine. These include hesitancy toward new vaccines produced by local companies, confusion between different vaccine strains, the emergence of substandard vaccines, and inadequate media support.
Additionally, the higher price of the vaccine compared to other options, its authorization limited to meat pigs, incomplete immune protection against some ASF virus genotypes, and improper usage have also impacted its disease prevention effectiveness.
Dr. Diep shared that AVAC is currently evaluating the use of AVAC ASF LIVE in breeding pigs (sows and boars). Success in this endeavor would provide a strategic solution to enhance community immunity, a critical factor in sustainably preventing ASF.
He also proposed that authorities expedite the completion of vaccine evaluation mechanisms and intensify the promotion of high-tech product images and brands.
“Competition in the vaccine industry is not just about products but also about technology and people,” emphasized Dr. Diep. “Only with a highly qualified team can we create breakthrough products that make a tangible contribution to domestic animal husbandry and establish Vietnam’s position on the world biotechnology map.”
Regarding the expansion of vaccine use to breeding pigs, Mr. Le Toan Thang, Head of the Veterinary Drug Management Division at the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Medicine (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), stressed the need for thorough research due to various factors that can influence vaccine efficacy, especially when used contrary to management recommendations. While the manufacturer has provided certain evidence, further validation, experimentation, and supplementary documentation are required for broader usage.
Vietnam currently boasts 12 veterinary vaccine manufacturers, supplying over 200 products to meet the disease prevention needs of livestock and poultry in the country. Among these, the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine has undergone comprehensive registration, testing, and experimentation and has been officially introduced nationwide since 2022, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in preventing and controlling ASF.
Indonesia’s decision to import Vietnam’s ASF vaccine underscores the significant progress made by Vietnamese veterinary vaccines in the international arena. The batch exported to Indonesia underwent independent evaluation and approval in the country, showcasing the product’s quality, safety, and practical efficacy. With AVAC ASF LIVE now approved and successfully deployed in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Nigeria, Vietnam has opened up substantial opportunities to enhance its global competitiveness in the field of veterinary vaccines.
Amidst rising disease challenges and heightened food safety concerns, AVAC’s success not only safeguards domestic livestock but also underscores Vietnam’s scientific and technological prowess and innovation capabilities.
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