Taiwan premier outlines five-point plan to battle African swine fever
台灣中央提出五項措施來因應非洲豬瘟
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Sunday announced a 10-day extension of the bans on pig slaughter and on feeding pigs with food waste, as part of a five-point plan to combat African swine fever.
Speaking at a press conference, Cho said a potential outbreak requires coordination among industry, government, and academia, per CNA. He noted that although Taiwan has kept ASF at bay since 2018, the recent discovery of dead pigs drifting at sea shows the threat has not been eliminated. “With the high number of travelers and parcels entering Taiwan, we must treat the disease as an enemy,” Cho said. First, strict epidemic prevention with rolling review. Experts recommended extending the bans on pig slaughter and transport for 10 days due to the disease’s long incubation period, Cho said. Second, epidemic investigation and assessment. The Ministry of Agriculture ordered the Taichung City Government to submit a comprehensive investigation report by noon Sunday to determine whether prevention measures were carried out in accordance with the law. Cho emphasized that the flow and volume of pork must be closely monitored, and any suspicious meat immediately destroyed. Third, safe disposal of food waste. All 435 farms processing food waste will undergo comprehensive inspections to verify the legality of cooking equipment. Food waste sites must be properly classified to distinguish between landfill and composting facilities to avoid pollution. The government will guide businesses through transition measures and propose legislative amendments if needed. Fourth, enhanced inspections and enforcement. Inspections have been completed at all 5,439 pig farms nationwide, with a second round beginning next week. Border controls will be upgraded, including 100% X-ray screening of passenger luggage. Cho also called for joint enforcement by customs, Coast Guard, and police to curb smuggling and illegal meat sales at night markets. Fifth, accurate information and strategic adjustment. A second round of epidemic investigations and vehicle disinfection will be carried out, along with strengthened transport management. Cho said the measures are vital not only for the stability of Taiwan’s pig-farming industry but also for maintaining the country’s credibility in international epidemic prevention. He pledged full central government support through budgets and resources. “If Hualien could complete reconstruction in one month, Taichung can do it too,” he said, urging the public to stay united in protecting Taiwan’s animal industry and public health. |
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| Sean Scanlan Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-10-26 |
