TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan has applied for the status of a classical swine fever-free country with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) after July 1 marked the first anniversary of the date when vaccinations of hogs ended, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Saturday (Aug. 24).

If the application is successful, Taiwan would become the only country in Asia officially free of classical swine fever (CSF) next May, per CNA. The MOA said it filed the necessary documents with WOAH on Friday (Aug. 23).

After Taiwan strengthened its measures against the animal disease from 2021, no new cases of CSF have been found. Experts advised to gradually stop administering vaccines to hogs during 2023, with July 1, 2023 as the final date.

A recent meeting concluded that Taiwan had fulfilled all requirements necessary for WOAH to declare the country free of CSF. Approval by the global organization would mean Taiwan was the only country in Asia free of CSF, African swine fever, and foot and mouth disease.

The status would help hog farmers save money on vaccines and manpower, and avoid the side effects of vaccines on their animals. By lowering costs for farmers, the new status would also boost the competitiveness of Taiwan pork products on the international market, according to the MOA.