TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taitung County has prolonged its ban on pigs from other counties until Nov. 26 to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever.

The disease was suspected at a Taichung pig farm on Wednesday. Taitung County’s agriculture department and animal disease control center have intensified inspections in response, per CNA.

While the national ban on live pig transport remains in effect until Monday, Taitung’s policy will continue beyond that date. Adjustments can be made depending on the situation.

Liu Chin-yuan (劉錦源), general manager of Taitung Agricultural Products Co., said Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) has ordered stronger prevention efforts to protect the local hog industry and ensure a stable pork supply.

Liu noted that under normal circumstances, about 400 pigs are shipped to Taitung daily. After the nationwide ban ends, Taitung will maintain its independent controls by prohibiting pigs from other counties from entering local meat markets.

Taitung Agriculture Department Director Hsu Chia-hao (許家豪) commented that since April 2019, the county has prohibited kitchen waste as pig feed to reduce disease risk. He urged pig farmers to cooperate with prevention measures.