African swine fever (ASF) is a serious threat to pig farming, food security and the global economy. It is one of the most destructive diseases of domestic pigs and wild boars in the world, with a mortality rate of 100%. From January 2022 to February 28, 2025, the world lost more than 2 million pigs due to African swine fever, with Asia and Europe being the hardest hit, and it also threatens food security. Previously, due to the lack of effective vaccines or treatments, prevention and control was extremely difficult. In recent years, some vaccines have been used in the fields of a few countries.

WOAH encourages innovation in vaccine research and development, and emphasizes that vaccines used in the field must be of high quality, safe and effective. This year, the 92nd WOAH Global Conference passed the African swine fever vaccine standards, clarifying that vaccines must meet the three core goals of effectiveness (alleviating the disease, blocking transmission, and reducing losses), safety (no persistent/severe symptoms, no environmental hazards, no harmful factors), and matching (matching with the prevalent genotype).

Vaccines that meet WOAH standards are prevention and control tools, but successful prevention and control also requires the integration of biosafety practices and other measures. Vaccination decisions are made and monitored based on local conditions. Continuous investment in research and development, combined with vaccines and existing prevention and control measures, will mitigate the negative impact of African swine fever.