Biosecurity - The protective shield of Vietnam’s pig farming industry

The Vietnam Veterinary Science and Technology Association, in collaboration with the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, recently organized a thematic workshop titled “Update on African Swine Fever - Biosecurity solutions for disease prevention.”

The event attracted nearly 600 participants, including scientists, lecturers, students, representatives of management agencies, businesses, and farm owners in the livestock and veterinary sectors across the country.

The strong interest from the scientific community and the private sector reflects a shared sense of responsibility and determination to control African Swine Fever (ASF) - one of the most devastating diseases affecting the pig industry today. Since its outbreak in 2019, ASF has caused the loss of tens of millions of pigs worldwide, with Vietnam among the hardest-hit countries.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong, President of the Vietnam Veterinary Association, emphasized: “In the absence of any widely applied commercial vaccine and with the ASF virus constantly mutating, biosecurity remains the cornerstone and decisive solution for ASF prevention and control. This workshop provides an opportunity for us to update new research findings, exchange practical experiences, and propose suitable solutions for Vietnam’s production conditions,” she said.

Dr. Huong added that since 2019, ASF outbreaks have continued to occur sporadically in many provinces, severely affecting smallholder farmers. Therefore, strengthening biosecurity at farms, in livestock areas, and throughout the entire pork production and supply chain is an urgent task that requires close coordination between regulatory agencies, research institutions, enterprises, and pig producers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Thong, Head of the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, shared that ASF has caused severe damage to the global livestock industry. This situation has compelled the sector to seek more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to protect pig herds amid increasingly complex disease threats.

At the workshop, participants heard four in-depth presentations providing the latest updates on ASF and disease control efforts, including “Update on ASF Virus Genotypes in Vietnam, 2023-2025” by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong from the Central Veterinary Diagnostic and Testing Center II.

The report presented the most recent epidemiological data, highlighting the genetic diversity of ASF viruses in Vietnam and their evolving trends in recent years - key information for designing surveillance strategies and guiding vaccine research.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Tien Duy, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and International Relations at Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a presentation on “ASF and emerging infectious diseases.” He analyzed the current ASF situation in relation to other emerging infectious diseases, highlighted the challenges in clinical diagnosis, and provided recommendations to strengthen herd health management.

The topic “Principles of biosecurity in ASF control,” presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Hien, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Medicine at Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, focused on the core principles of biosecurity, from farm access management, breeding stock control, disinfection and sanitation, waste treatment, to establishing disease-free zones.

The workshop concluded with practical insights shared by Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong, Head of Biosecurity at BAF Vietnam Agriculture Joint Stock Company, who discussed the successful application of comprehensive biosecurity measures at large-scale pig farms, helping effectively control ASF while improving production efficiency.

The highlight of the workshop was its lively and open discussion sessions, where numerous questions were raised and debated directly. Participants focused on key topics such as building a more effective ASF surveillance system, enhancing the role of rapid diagnostic testing in early disease detection, addressing challenges in implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures at smallholder farms, and the need for supportive policies to encourage businesses to invest in disease-safe livestock models.

In addition, several participating enterprises showcased innovative technological solutions, including closed-housing systems, waste treatment technologies, and bio-based disinfectant products, contributing to stronger linkages between scientific research and practical applications, toward a safe, modern, and sustainable livestock sector.

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Thong noted that the workshop on biosecurity in ASF prevention not only provided the latest scientific updates but also created a multidimensional platform for collaboration among research institutes, universities, regulatory agencies, and enterprises.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong emphasized: “The recommendations shared at the workshop will serve as an important basis for the Vietnam Veterinary Association to propose policies and develop action programs aimed at strengthening biosecurity across the pig farming sector, enhancing disease surveillance, diagnosis, and response capacity, promoting the application of science and technology, and advancing modern farming models toward sustainable, safe, and efficient pig production.”

Through this event, the Vietnam Veterinary Association once again affirmed its role as a scientific hub and a bridge for cooperation - fostering research, spreading knowledge, and mobilizing social resources to effectively control ASF, protect pig herds, and ensure national food security.