WOAH Adopts International Standards for African Swine Fever Vaccines

At its 92nd General Session held in Paris, 25–29 May 2025, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) adopted new international standards for African swine fever (ASF) vaccines, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against this devastating disease.

The adoption of Chapter 3.9.1 of the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals establishes, for the first time, internationally agreed technical requirements for the production and evaluation of ASF vaccines. These standards aim to ensure that vaccines are safe, effective, and appropriate for use in the field, providing a critical tool to support disease control strategies worldwide.

ASF remains one of the most serious transboundary animal diseases, with outbreaks continuing to impact pig populations, food security, and livelihoods across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The new standards set out minimum criteria for vaccine safety, efficacy, and quality, including requirements for reducing disease severity, limiting virus transmission, and ensuring genetic compatibility with circulating ASF strains.

The decision reflects WOAH Members’ commitment to advancing science-based solutions for ASF control. It also supports the responsible use of vaccines as part of integrated disease management strategies, alongside biosecurity, surveillance, and movement control measures.

The STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) welcomes this development, which aligns with its ongoing efforts to accelerate collaborative research on ASF vaccine development and deployment. The adoption of these standards provides a clear framework for researchers, regulators, and manufacturers to work towards safe and effective ASF vaccines that can be used globally.

For more information, visit the WOAH website or consult the updated Chapter 3.9.1 of the Terrestrial Manual.