TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Twenty-eight pigs from a farm with suspected cases of African swine fever were recently shipped to markets across Taichung and two counties, prompting authorities to launch an urgent investigation into the meat’s downstream distribution.

The agriculture ministry reported Wednesday that polymerase chain reaction, or PCR tests, on 117 dead pigs at a Wuqi District farm were positive for the virus but further tests to confirm the disease were necessary. Taichung City Government said Thursday that 28 pigs from the farm were shipped on Oct. 13, and overnight tracing found they were distributed across Taichung, Changhua County, and Chiayi County, per CNA.

Taichung Health Bureau Director Tseng Tzu-chan (曾梓展) said officials traced the meat immediately after the outbreak was discovered. Of the 28 pigs, 23 were sold to 12 locations in Taichung City, including 19 pigs to 10 private buyers and four pigs to two companies.

Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-ji (陳駿季) confirmed at the Legislative Yuan that the pigs were sent to Taichung’s Daan Meat Market. Chen said the correct procedures were followed, including pre-slaughter observation and post-slaughter veterinary checks of internal organs.

The farm reported pig deaths starting Oct. 10, but Taichung conducted sampling only on Monday. When asked by the media about the 10-day delay since the Oct. 13 shipment, Taichung Agriculture Bureau Director Chang Ching-chang (張敬昌) said inspections began on Wednesday morning. 

Authorities have identified buyers and handed them to the health bureau for downstream checks, emphasizing that “all immediate necessary steps have been taken.” Tseng added that inspections cover pork processors, retailers, restaurants, and e-commerce channels.