Taiwan offers Hong Kong assistance to contain ASF

台灣協助香港控制豬瘟

Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council Chairwoman Katherine Chang says ASF containment cannot be achieved alone


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council Chairwoman Katherine Chang (張小月) said Taiwan will gladly send experts to Hong Kong in order to contain the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), reported Central News Agency on Tuesday (May 14).

The Hong Kong government confirmed May 10 the ASF virus was found in a pig at Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse. Following which, a decision was made to cull and dispose of more than 6,000 pigs within seven days.

Chang said in a press release that ASF prevention and containment cannot be achieved alone. “Taiwan is happy to send epidemic controllers to Hong Kong, if the Hong Kong government calls for our help.”

Chang also called on the Hong Kong government to conduct more comprehensive inspections at its borders. Taiwan has carried out 100 percent checks on luggage belonging to travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau since January 16.

Travelers found carrying raw or processed pork products will be fined NT$200,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenders will face fines of NT$1 million to NT$3 million.

The Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council was established in May 2010 as part of the Mainland Affairs Council. It serves as a platform of economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Katherine Chang was Minister of Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會) from May 2016 to February 2018. She is also the incumbent chairwoman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (海峽交流基金會).