UConn partners with USDA to develop Zoetis-licensed ASF vaccine candidate

The deadly pig disease African Swine Fever (ASF) which has been rapidly spreading from its origins in sub-Saharan Africa to other continents is now being challenged with a new Zoetis-licensed vaccine candidate, jointly owned by UConn and USDA

The vaccine was regarded a successful candidate following its effectiveness against ASF through multiple routes of administration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Addressing the rapid spread of the lethal virus, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and UConn developed promising vaccine candidates, one of them being the ASFV-G-DMGF. This candidate was recently licensed for commercial development by Zoetis, an offshoot of the medical company Pfizer and the world’s largest animal pharmaceutical producer. 

A report published by UConn mentioned about trials being conducted on wild boars and domestic pigs involving administration of the vaccine through edible bait and intra-muscular routes respectively. Both routes were found effective against ASF, confirming that ASF-G-DMGF was indeed a successful vaccine candidate that could potentially be adopted by well-organised and controlled immunisation campaigns. This was also documented by researchers in a peer-reviewed article in the journal Pathogens.