ASF: WOAH stresses the importance of using high-quality vaccines that comply with newly adopted standard

The continuing spread of African swine fever (ASF) is a matter of concern for the pig industry on a global scale, as no region is left unaffected. For many years, the lack of a vaccine or effective treatment has made the control of the disease very challenging. The research community has been working to develop an effective vaccine. The announcements of modified live vaccines being approved or tested in some countries have raised hopes for the widely availability of new effective tools to contain the current ASF epidemic. Many countries are interested in using these vaccines as a complementary tool to prevent and control the risk of ASF spread on their territories. 

First adopted ASF vaccine standards

The first standards for the production of safe and effective vaccines against ASF has been adopted in May 2025 by the World Assembly of WOAH Delegates. WOAH urges vaccine manufacturers and Members to consider these standards when developing and evaluating ASF vaccine candidates for regulatory approval.  

WOAH stresses the importance of using only high-quality ASF vaccines that comply with the standards described in the Terrestrial Manual, have proven efficacy and safety, and have been subject to regulatory evaluation and approval by the National Regulatory Authority.

ASF vaccination should not be used as a stand-alone disease control intervention

Regardless of vaccine efficacy, vaccination programmes should be implemented as part of a comprehensive prevention and control strategy, which should include other important control measures such as surveillance for early detection, strict biosecurity, import measures and movement controls. 

Vaccination, if used, should be conducted under a well-designed vaccination programme that takes into account, among other factors, the local epidemiology of the disease, the expected objectives of vaccination and the adequacy and sustainability of the relevant technical, financial and human resources. They should always include post-vaccination surveillance and monitoring as well as an exit strategy for the cessation of vaccination, as mentioned in WOAH international standards on vaccination. 

The risks of using poor quality or non-compliant vaccines

The use of non-compliant and poor-quality vaccines may not confer any protection against ASF and risks spreading vaccine viruses that could result in acute or chronic disease. Additionally, these vaccine viruses could also recombine with field strains to generate novel strains that could evade detection and result in acute, chronic and persistent ASF infections. 

WOAH encourages Members to actively report incidents of substandard vaccines that do not follow the quality specifications post-regulatory approval to WOAH following the 6th recommendation of Resolution N. 29 adopted in May 2025 by the World Assembly of WOAH Delegates. These can be reported through the WOAH global alert system for substandard and falsified veterinary products (pilot VSAFE) to strengthen vaccine quality oversight and support the removal of these vaccines from circulation.