The American Society for Microbiology reports that a new African swine fever vaccine appears to be far more effective than previously developed vaccines.
ASF, a deadly virus of pigs that is disrupting the swine industry in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, has no commercially available vaccine currently.
In a study published by the Journal of Virology, both low and high doses of the new ASF vaccine were 100% effective against the virus.
“The big deal with this vaccine is not only was it effective against the challenge at both a high dose and a low dose, but also in those challenged animals, there was no shedding of virus. This is so important so we’re not continually spreading virus with vaccinated animals,” explained Dave Pyburn, DVM, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board.
There is still plenty of work that needs to be done before the vaccine becomes commercially available, but this development is a step in the right direction.
“This new experimental ASFV vaccine shows promise and offers complete protection against the current strain currently producing outbreaks throughout Eastern Europe and Asia,” senior scientist at Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Douglas P. Glad said.