African Swine Fever Detected in Floating Pig Carcass; Kinmen Halts Pork Exports for a Week

Kinmen County authorities confirmed that a dead pig carcass, weighing approximately 70 kilograms and found washed ashore on July 14th, has tested positive for the African swine fever virus. The discovery prompted immediate action to prevent potential outbreaks on the island.

In response, the Kinmen County Government announced a temporary suspension of pork and processed pork product exports from Kinmen to mainland Taiwan. This ban will be in effect for at least one week, starting July 16th, and will only be lifted if no new cases are reported during that period. This measure builds upon an existing regulation that already prohibits the export of live pigs from Kinmen to the mainland.

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To strengthen risk control, we have announced an expanded suspension of exports of pork and processed pork products from the Kinmen region to mainland Taiwan, effective from July 16 to July 22.

County officials are investigating the source of the carcass, which was found near the coast of Jinhu Township. Initial assessments suggest that recent weather conditions, including the influence of Typhoon Bavi's outer bands and strong ocean currents, likely carried the infected carcass from mainland China's Fujian province or nearby river outlets to Kinmen's shores.

Veterinary personnel have conducted health checks on pigs within a 10-kilometer radius of where the carcass was found, covering 25 farms and over 5,000 pigs. All animals were reported to be in good health. The county government is urging residents and farmers to adhere strictly to biosecurity measures, including disinfecting equipment, changing footwear, and preventing unauthorized access to farms, to prevent the disease from entering the island.

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The dead pig carcass found on the coast may be highly related to recent weather conditions.