Taiwan reports first suspected outbreak of African swine fever

Taipei, Oct. 22 (CNA) Taiwan on Wednesday reported its first suspected domestic outbreak of African swine fever, becoming the latest country affected by the deadly pig disease that has hit 68 countries and territories since 2022.

On Tuesday, tests found that pigs on a farm in Wuqi District in Taichung, central Taiwan, were infected with the virus, Ministry of Agriculture officials said at a press conference. The pigs on the farm were tested after 117 of them died between Oct. 10 and 20, the officials said.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said 195 pigs have been culled and an investigation has been launched to determine the source of the infection.

As a result of the outbreak, the transport and slaughter of pigs will be banned nationwide for five days, starting Wednesday, and the use of kitchen waste as pig feed will be prohibited, the ministry said.

Pork is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine, while the pork industry is a central part of Taiwan's agricultural industry. Over the years, Taiwan has implemented stringent control measures to safeguard its pork industry, which generates around NT$70 billion (US$2.3 billion) annually.

In May, Taiwan was the only country in Asia to be free of African swine fever, classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, as declared by the World Organisation for Animal Health.