TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday urged citizens and authorities to cooperate with disease prevention measures to contain a possible African swine fever outbreak.
Speaking at Taiwan Design Expo in Changhua County, Lai reassured the public that swine fever cannot be transmitted to humans and that pork on the market remains safe, per UDN.
The authorities said there was a suspected case at a Taichung pig farm using food waste on Wednesday. The Veterinary Research Institute later confirmed a positive test for swine fever, prompting government action, per CNA.
Taiwan has maintained high alert since China’s swine fever outbreak in 2018, establishing an African swine fever prevention and response center and increasing nationwide inspections.
On Wednesday, the Cabinet ordered a 15-day nationwide ban on pig transport and slaughter to stop the potential spread. Counties have been encouraged to conduct emergency drills and strengthen local containment efforts.
Border controls have also been tightened, with more X-ray machines at airports, mandatory luggage scans to detect smuggled pork, public information campaigns, and strict penalties for violations.
On food waste, Lai noted most counties opposed a complete ban due to the high volume of waste, which could spread the virus if mishandled. He said counties may implement controlled bans while food waste for pigs must be cooked at least 90 C for over an hour.
