Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) is proud to announce the planned destruction of the rinderpest virus in the laboratories of Viet Nam. Despite the successful eradication of the disease from the natural host and wildlife, several laboratories around the world retain virus stocks including wild-type virus, vaccine seed strains, and manufactured vaccines. Viet Nam is one of the six countries that still holds virus stocks as of today.

Rinderpest was responsible for a large wake of devastation across farmlands. In countries, such as Ethiopia, one-third of the human population was wiped out due to the mass starvation this disease caused regardless of its inability to spread to humans. Thanks to the joint effort of countries as well as the international and regional organizations, rinderpest was eradicated in 2011. However, as virus stocks are still held in laboratories in five countries in Asia and one country in Africa, there remains the risk of catastrophic rinderpest re-emergence.

The immediate destruction of any remaining rinderpest virus stock is vital. With combined national efforts, FAO gave large-scale success in the destruction and sequestration of rinderpest virus holdings across laboratories in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and many other countries.

In May 2019, the FAO team led by Senior Animal Health Officer, Dr Samia Metwally conducted a mission to advocate for the Viet Nam government to destroy their virus stocks. Following this mission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development agreed and requested support in removing the virus from their two laboratories.

FAO and WOAH congratulate Viet Nam on setting a precedent on how the risk of rinderpest re-emergence can be effectively addressed and hope this good practice will be replicated by the few remaining countries that are currently holding the virus.

A new mission will take place from 1 to 9 June 2022, at the laboratories of the National Veterinary Joint Stock Company in Ho Chi Minh City and the National Centre for Veterinary Medicine Control No1 laboratory in Hanoi and will involve:  verifying the inventory of virus stock for destruction; checking equipment certificates for operation; packing the virus material and waste for destruction; decontaminating the laboratory and freezers, and transfer material for incineration; delivering biosafety management training to laboratory staff; and informing and engaging the Viet Nam government in raising community awareness through activities targeting rinderpest and other transboundary animal diseases.

This mission in Viet Nam will mark another step towards preserving global freedom against rinderpest.

More information : Please contact Pawin Padungtod, the Senior Technical Coordinator, FAO Viet Nam.
Email : [email protected]