ASF prevention and control with 5-layer biosecurity and modern technology

ASF still poses a risk of outbreaks

On September 13 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Veterinary Association (VVA) held a technical workshop titled “African Swine Fever: Diagnostic Methods, the Latest Biosecurity Solutions for Adaptation and Practical Application.”

Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong, Chairwoman of VVA, stated that African Swine Fever (ASF) has been one of the greatest challenges to the global pig industry, including Vietnam, for many years.

Although Vietnam has made significant progress in vaccine research, diagnostics, and disease control, ASF still has no specific treatment and continues to pose a risk of outbreaks. In this context, rapid – accurate – timely diagnosis, along with advanced and practical biosecurity solutions, is indeed the “key” to helping the pig industry adapt and grow sustainably.

The workshop provided updates on the latest diagnostic methods, the application of biotechnology and artificial intelligence in disease monitoring, and discussions on advanced biosecurity models, spanning from small-scale farms to industrial farms. The aim is to minimize the risk of disease introduction and spread. It also strengthened connections among regulators, scientists, businesses, and farmers to jointly seek practical solutions.

Rapid, Accurate Diagnosis and Advanced Biosecurity as the “Key”

Do Thi Hoa, an expert from the Central Veterinary Diagnosis and Testing Center I, reported that since 2021, the center has tested over 100,000 ASF samples per year. In 2024 alone, 100,539 samples were processed, a slight increase over 2023. As for the first seven months of 2025, the number of samples reached 55,065, a 56% increase compared to the same period in 2023 (35,270 samples).

During the Center’s experimental process, genome sequencing is the most accurate method for identifying ASF virus genotypes. Real-time PCR or commercial kits can also be used if fully validated. Genome sequencing to detect genotype II variants requires targeting the B646L, CRV, IRG, and CD2v genes. Rapid test kits may be considered for outbreak control when the disease spreads widely, but they are only used by local veterinary authorities.

Regarding biosecurity, Dr. Dang Huu Anh, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Vietnam National University of Agriculture, explained that there are four basic measures commonly applied at present: mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological. “Among these, mechanical measures are the most important. They may seem crude and inexpensive, but they account for up to 80% of biosecurity success,” he said.

BAF shared its view on biosecurity practices and modern technology

Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong noted, “At present, only two countries - China and Vietnam - have produced ASF field vaccines, but none have been globally commercialized. Therefore, the use of vaccines still faces many challenges and limitations. While ASF still has no specific treatment, biosecurity remains the urgent solution to protect livestock.”

At the workshop, Nguyen Van Minh, Deputy General Director of BAF Vietnam Agriculture Joint Stock Company, introduced the 5-layer biosecurity system that BAF is implementing. This system effectively prevents many dangerous pathogens in pigs, such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS, also known as Blue-ear disease), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), and African Swine Fever (ASF) in particular. As for the benefits, the farming environment is kept safe, contributing to effective epidemiological management and overall pig herd protection in the face of complex disease developments.

BAF has also invested in ASF testing machines that reduce turnaround time to just 45 - 60 minutes. The company also operates automated vehicle washing systems with robots, already installed in Thanh Hoa, Tay Ninh, and all of its farms. Vehicles are sprayed with disinfectants, washed automatically, and then dried at 60°C for 60 minutes to achieve a second level of sterilization before entering farms. Heat-resistant supplies are also dried and disinfected before being stored.

Starting in October, BAF will deploy AI camera systems for the first time to monitor all pig herd activities on farms, following the concept of “contact-free biosecurity.” He said, ”Viruses cannot be seen with the naked eye. Only by applying modern technology can we effectively solve this problem.”