Guest Lecture Highlights: Livestock Epidemics and Vaccines in Asia
The International Department of Veterinary Medicine (IAVT) at NPUST recently welcomed Dr. Frank C.J. Chang for an in-depth lecture on “Livestock Epidemics and Vaccines in Asia.” Held as part of the Biosecurity and Epidemic Prevention System course, the session provided students and researchers with critical industry insights into the current epidemiological landscape and the future of veterinary biologics.
During the lecture, Dr. Chang outlined the most economically damaging viral and bacterial diseases impacting the swine industry. He emphasized Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) as the core driver of Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC). The presentation also highlighted the high prevalence of PCV2 and the complication of PCV2 and PCV3 co-infections in PRDC cases. Furthermore, Dr. Chang addressed the challenges of regional outbreaks, such as variant strains of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) in Asia that reduce traditional vaccine effectiveness , alongside major bacterial threats like Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and APP.
Beyond swine pathogens, the lecture touched upon cross-species and emerging threats. Dr. Chang noted that with no commercial vaccine currently available for African Swine Fever (ASF), strict biosecurity remains paramount. He also discussed the rapid evolution and reassortment of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza strains, such as H5N5, in poultry and wild birds.
Concluding the session, Dr. Chang shared his perspective on the future of disease control. Market growth for veterinary biologics continues to be driven by the intense pathogenic pressure from PRRSV, PCV2, influenza, and enteric pathogens. To combat these threats, the industry is shifting toward data-driven vaccination strategies , developing multivalent and rapid response vaccines , and exploring emerging approaches such as recombinant vectors and mRNA vaccines.
AVT extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Chang and Reber Genetics Co., Ltd. for sharing their invaluable expertise with our academic community.
