HANOI, Reuters – Vietnam announced Wednesday that it has developed a vaccine for African swine flu. The goal is to be the first nation to produce it commercially and export it.

African swine disease, which can be fatal to livestock, was detected for the first time in Vietnam in February 2019. It forced Vietnam to kill around 20% off its hogherd last year.

The disease was first discovered in Africa, but has since spread to Europe and Asia. Humans are not at risk from African swine flu.

Phung Duc Tien, deputy minister of agriculture, stated in a statement that “this is a landmark for the veterinary industry.”

The vaccine provides immunity for six months and will protect the hog-raising industry as well as pig production worldwide.

The vaccine is currently in development in collaboration with experts from the United States. Five clinical trials have been conducted.

Tien stated that the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed its safety and effectiveness.

Tien said, “This achievement opens great hopes and there is the potential to export African Swine Fever vaccine manufactured in Vietnam.”

His estimate of Vietnam’s production capability and a timeline for its export were not provided.

Although the Vietnam swine-fever outbreak appears to have subsided, it is still affecting farms across the globe.