With the internationalization of the movement of both human and commodities, many animal diseases that were once considered endemic in certain local region are currently being reported as transboundary infectious diseases in many parts of the world. The recent outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Asia & Pacific region is a prime example: ASF spread rapidly to neighboring countries after the first outbreak was reported in China in 2018. Classical swine fever (CSF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which are equally devastating in terms of economic losses as ASF, remain prevalent in Asia & Pacific region and are persistently being reported from various areas.

This publication demonstrates the benefits of neglected and underutilized species, including amaranth, sorghum and cowpea, and their potential contribution to achieving Zero Hunger in South and Southeast Asia.

Maize is the second most important food crop in Vietnam after rice.