The European project VAX4ASF was presented at SEPOR 2026 in Lorca, Spain, where project partner ANPROGAPOR highlighted ongoing research into African swine fever (ASF) and its relevance to pig producers.
From 26 to 29 October, Lorca, in the Spanish region of Murcia, hosted the 59th edition of SEPOR, a major meeting point for livestock professionals, researchers and industry representatives.
VAX4ASF was represented by Arturo Hernangómez from ANPROGAPOR, a project partner representing Spanish pig producers. On 28 October, Hernangómez introduced the project during a session dedicated to ongoing innovation initiatives of interest to the pig farming sector, held at the stand of the Regional Government of Murcia.
“The presentation attracted interest from industry professionals, who were particularly keen to learn about the project’s progress and the ongoing trials of potential ASF vaccine candidates. These developments are especially important for the future of pig production,” said Hernangómez.
Connecting the needs of pig producers
African swine fever remains a major concern for the pig farming industry, affecting domestic pigs and wild boar and posing serious challenges to animal health, livestock production and international trade. Coordinated by HIPRA and funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, VAX4ASF brings together 17 organisations working towards the development of safe and effective next-generation vaccine candidates against ASF.
The project also investigates complementary diagnostic tools, including approaches to distinguish vaccinated animals from infected animals, alongside strategies to support future disease surveillance and control.
ANPROGAPOR contributes the perspective of pig producers, helping to connect the project’s scientific activities with the practical realities and needs of the sector.
In the words of Arturo Hernangómez: “The pig farming sector is currently facing a difficult situation due to African swine fever and its impact on the European market. Improving the animal health situation and restoring access to key export markets are essential to supporting the sector’s recovery.”
Strengthening dialogue between science and industry
SEPOR provides a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and discussing challenges facing the livestock industry. For a region such as Murcia, where pig production is an important economic activity, connecting international research with local industry stakeholders is particularly relevant.
As the consortium continues to assess its findings and refine promising vaccine candidates, dialogue with producers remains essential to understanding the challenges associated with future prevention and control strategies. Through its participation in events such as SEPOR, VAX4ASF continues to strengthen the connection between European scientific cooperation and the importance of the animal health challenges affecting pig production worldwide and the needs of the livestock sector