Veterinary Vaccine Paradox: Domestic Products of Superior Quality, Yet Foreign Goods Dominate the Market

Vietnam's veterinary vaccine production utilizes world-leading technologies. Twelve companies research and produce 218 types of livestock vaccines meeting GMP-WHO standards. However, imported vaccines hold 70% of the market share due to a preference for foreign goods. At a recent forum, Mr. Phan Quang Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Health, highlighted the challenge of small-scale farming and the need to expand vaccination. He emphasized that vaccination is crucial for both small and large-scale farms, remaining the fundamental solution for Vietnam's livestock industry. Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in veterinary vaccine production. Mr. Minh noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises often import vaccines, hindering domestic market penetration. He suggested improving quality, marketing, and price to compete. Mr. Le Toan Thang, Head of Veterinary Drug Management, stated that Vietnam has 92 GMP-WHO compliant veterinary drug facilities, including 12 vaccine producers. Two African swine fever vaccines have received circulation certificates. While Vietnam produces 218 vaccine types, 340 imported types are licensed. In 2024, domestic production met only a fraction of the demand for avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, blue ear disease, and lumpy skin disease vaccines. Vietnam is the sole producer of the African swine fever vaccine, supplying 5.9 million doses. Dr. Nguyen Huu Vu, General Director of Hanvet Company, attributed the limited use of domestic vaccines to branding, production levels, and quality control. The "preference for foreign goods" mentality among farmers was also cited as a significant obstacle by Dr. Nguyen Thi Huong, President of the Vietnam Veterinary Science and Technology Association. She urged domestic manufacturers to improve communication and collaborate with media. Despite having world-leading technologies for several vaccines, including African swine fever, domestic products struggle for market share.