The World Organization for Animal Health recently adopted an African Swine Fever vaccine standard as a means to help control the disease. The agreement was reached during the Organization’s 92nd General Session in Paris last week. The Organization feels ASF control is possible. Key elements of the new standard include that vaccines must be manufactured with the highest quality and be proven to be effective and safe for use. The Organization warned that poor quality or non-compliant ASF vaccines may make the disease situation worse instead of improving it. To comply with the new standard, evidence will be required proving the vaccine’s efficacy, including in terms of reducing the severity of the symptoms and further transmission of the virus. WOAH (WHOA-ah) says vaccination alone, even if it meets these standards, won’t be enough without high levels of biosecurity, control of animal movements, and import restrictions. The decision to vaccinate ultimately rests with veterinary authority.
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