African Swine Fever detected in dead pig carcass on Taiwan's Kinmen coast

A dead pig carcass that drifted ashore in Kinmen, Taiwan, has tested positive for African swine fever, prompting heightened vigilance along the coast. The discovery was made by coast guard personnel during a patrol on July 14.

Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council, Chiu Chui-cheng, highlighted the Coast Guard's rigorous implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in managing the incident. He stated that the Coast Guard's actions, as depicted in photos showing personnel in full protective gear and cordoning off the area, underscore their strict adherence to protocols.

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Prevention is equivalent to combat and the highest standards, better to do more than less.

Following the discovery, the Coast Guard immediately secured the site and notified local animal disease prevention authorities. Samples were collected, and the carcass underwent incineration and disinfection. The positive test result for African swine fever virus nucleic acid was confirmed on July 16.

Minister Chiu emphasized the principle of "prevention is equivalent to combat" and the need for "highest standards, better to do more than less." He urged the public to refrain from carrying or smuggling pork products into Taiwan, warning that violations of the "Animal Epidemic Prevention Act" could result in fines of up to NT$1 million.

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The Coast Guard colleagues treated it as a dead pig with African swine fever even before the lab results, fully equipped with protective clothing and setting up a cordon.