Premier inspects border control measures against ASF at Taoyuan airport

Taipei, Nov. 8 (CNA) Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Saturday inspected border quarantine measures for African swine fever (ASF) at Taoyuan International Airport, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement to prevent the virus from entering Taiwan.

Cho reviewed the carry-on baggage inspection area at Terminal 1 and later toured China Airlines' cargo screening operations.

He said that in recent weeks, central and local governments, along with relevant agencies, have worked together to contain the ASF outbreak to a single site and prevent it from spreading.

Pigs found dead at a farm in Taichung's Wuqi District tested positive for ASF on Oct. 21, prompting a temporary ban on the transport and slaughter of pigs. Virus analysis on Oct. 25 confirmed the case as Taiwan's first outbreak of the disease.

The restrictions were fully lifted as of Friday after no new cases were reported.

Cho stressed that no negligence can be tolerated, and that only through strict, multilayered defenses -- from equipment, human resources, inspections and enforcement -- can Taiwan keep the virus out.

He also noted that with trial operations for the northern concourse of the airport's under-construction Terminal 3 set to begin in December, its safety and quarantine standards should match those of Terminals 1 and 2.

With cross-border travel and trade expected to increase amid the government's tourism push, Cho said manual inspections by customs officers should rise by at least 20 percent and be conducted with a "zero trust, zero tolerance" approach.

Separately on Saturday, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged the public not to send or bring prohibited meat products from abroad, saying their cooperation is vital to protect Taiwan's hog industry.

On Facebook, Lai thanked pig farmers, industry partners, vendors and the public for supporting the government's ASF prevention efforts.