Taiwan Halts Kinmen Pork Shipments After African Swine Fever Discovery

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced an immediate suspension of pork and processed pork product shipments from Kinmen to Taiwan's main island and other outlying islands after a pig carcass washed ashore tested positive for African swine fever (ASF).

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The central and local relevant units, in accordance with the epidemic prevention mechanism, completed sampling immediately, and the test confirmed it was positive for African swine fever virus nucleic acid.

The discovery marks the 21st case of ASF found in a washed-up pig carcass since 2018. This incident is particularly concerning as Taiwan had only recently, in April, been officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as regaining its status as an ASF-free region. President Lai emphasized the need for continued vigilance against external risks, citing the ongoing severe ASF situation in Asia.

Following the positive test results from the pig found on a Kinmen beach on July 14, relevant authorities initiated emergency response measures. These included the immediate incineration and burial of the carcass, disinfection of the site, and movement controls. Further quantitative PCR tests confirmed the ASF presence.

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This is the 21st case of a washed-up pig confirmed to have African swine fever since 2018.

In response, the Coast Guard Administration has intensified coastal patrols and anti-smuggling efforts, while the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine has strengthened border quarantine measures. Kinmen County's disease prevention office has visited local pig farms, confirming the animals' healthy status. The government is also conducting genetic sequencing analysis of the virus to better understand its origin and potential spread. President Lai urged relevant ministries to closely monitor the situation, maintain inter-agency communication, and ensure all quarantine, monitoring, and control measures are effectively implemented to protect Taiwan's pig farming industry and its hard-won ASF-free status.

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Taiwan must continue to maintain high vigilance against external risks, through border quarantine, coastal patrols, sampling of washed-up pigs, and monitoring of domestic pig farms, to guard every defense line.