Vietnam and Australia have recently established the National Innovation Alliance for Pig Biosecurity, a partnership between the Australian government’s Aus4Innovation program and the National Institute of Animal Sciences under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This initiative aims to enhance biosecurity measures and leverage innovation at the smallholder level to strengthen Vietnam’s pig farming industry against African Swine Fever (ASF).
Since 2019, the ASF epidemic has severely impacted the industry, particularly smallholders, who constitute 99.8% of the sector and often lack adequate biosecurity protocols. The formation of the alliance, along with insights from its pilot study, highlights a commitment to advancing biosecurity as a key defense against ASF and other diseases.
The Australian government has emphasized the alliance as a crucial step toward securing a sustainable future for pig farming in Vietnam. Strengthening biosecurity practices is seen as essential not only for improving farmer livelihoods but also for enhancing food supply chain resilience and mitigating environmental risks. The alliance receives financial and technical backing from Australia, reinforcing long-term cooperation in scientific research and innovation.
Through the CSIRO-managed Aus4Innovation program, comprehensive support will be provided, including financial resources, expert consultation, research guidance, and implementation assistance. Efforts will also focus on fostering collaboration within the innovation ecosystem to facilitate the successful commercialization of joint research outcomes between Vietnam and Australia.
(Source: Pig Progress)
