TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An unlicensed veterinarian surnamed Wang (王) is under investigation for allegedly advising a Taichung pig farm to administer medication before the animals had tested positive for African swine fever.
The farm owner worked with two individuals: Chi Yu-ming (紀又銘) served as the official contracted veterinarian, while Wang was hired directly by the farmer, per CNA. A tip from a resident said Wang is a pharmaceutical sales representative with an animal-care background who has not passed the veterinary exam.
During the Taichung City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office’s investigation, the farmer said pigs had lost their appetite and that he consulted Wang. Wang allegedly suggested administering medication; whether a medical diagnosis or treatment occurred remains under investigation.
The office said Sunday that Wang holds a veterinary assistant certificate and works as an animal medication management technician for a pharmaceutical company, allowing him to sell medication. However, without a veterinary license he is barred by the Veterinarian Act from issuing diagnoses, prescriptions, or official documents.
The office is working with the city’s Agricultural Bureau to probe potential breaches of the Communicable Disease Control Act or delays in prevention. Evidence has been submitted to prosecutors for review.
In a Facebook post Sunday, Chi said he was not invited to the farm for medical treatment and that the farmer independently hired a veterinarian. “I respect the investigation by the prosecutors and investigative authorities,” he added.
Chi previously operated a pig farm in Pingtung beginning in 1996, but a 1997 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak led to the culling of more than 200 pigs. He later relocated to Taichung and has since worked as a contracted veterinarian for pig farms.
