Taiwan’s self-declaration of freedom from the African swine fever virus was officially approved April 6 by the World Organization for Animal Health, the Ministry of Agriculture said.
According to the MOA, the latest development made Taiwan the only country in Asia free of ASF, the classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, and reflects recognition of successful government implementation of animal health inspection and quarantine.
Taiwan became the first country in Asia to hold disease-free status for all three swine diseases following recognition by the WOAH last May. However, in October 2025, the country reported an outbreak of ASF at a farm in Taichung City.
Swift action was taken by relevant agencies under the Central Emergency Operation Center, and the farm was disinfected in accordance with required procedures within a month. Subsequently all samples taken resulted as virus-free, the MOA said, adding that the case was formally closed and reported to WOAH in January this year.
To ensure that Taiwan maintains a virus-free status, the MOA has adopted more advanced monitoring technologies and formulated more stringent disease prevention and quarantine measures. The swift WOAH approval of Taiwan’s ASF-free status application, made in less than two months, underscores the exceptional resilience of the country’s disease prevention network, the ministry said.
The MOA said it will fast-track discussions with Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong to resume fresh pork exports from Taiwan. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
According to the MOA, the latest development made Taiwan the only country in Asia free of ASF, the classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, and reflects recognition of successful government implementation of animal health inspection and quarantine.
Taiwan became the first country in Asia to hold disease-free status for all three swine diseases following recognition by the WOAH last May. However, in October 2025, the country reported an outbreak of ASF at a farm in Taichung City.
Swift action was taken by relevant agencies under the Central Emergency Operation Center, and the farm was disinfected in accordance with required procedures within a month. Subsequently all samples taken resulted as virus-free, the MOA said, adding that the case was formally closed and reported to WOAH in January this year.
To ensure that Taiwan maintains a virus-free status, the MOA has adopted more advanced monitoring technologies and formulated more stringent disease prevention and quarantine measures. The swift WOAH approval of Taiwan’s ASF-free status application, made in less than two months, underscores the exceptional resilience of the country’s disease prevention network, the ministry said.
The MOA said it will fast-track discussions with Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong to resume fresh pork exports from Taiwan. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News