Taiwan regains African swine fever-free status

台灣重新獲得非洲豬瘟非疫區地位

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has regained its status as free of African swine fever (ASF), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said on Sunday.

Taiwan detected its first ASF case on Oct. 21. It applied to regain disease-free status on Feb. 21 and was recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health on April 6, CNA reported.

Cho said that over the past six months, the government worked actively to contain the outbreak while seeking international certification. He thanked the pork industry for working closely with the government to maintain strict controls.

The premier also said the public adjusted its consumption habits to support prevention efforts. These combined efforts allowed Taiwan to regain its status in a short period, he said.

Taiwan is the only country in Asia free of foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, and ASF, Cho said, adding that this was once considered an unattainable goal, per CNA. Taiwan has set a new benchmark for the world, he said.

Cho said the government will draw on this experience to continue strengthening border controls, disease prevention systems, and cooperation with industry.

The premier said Singapore has already resumed imports of Taiwanese pork, and efforts are ongoing to reopen the Japanese market, according to CNA. Taiwan’s high-quality pork is well positioned to expand into international markets, and the government will assist the industry in meeting all requirements, he said.