TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan imposed a nationwide five-day ban on pig transportation and slaughtering Wednesday (Oct. 22) after African swine fever killed 117 pigs at a Taichung farm. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部), Taiwan's agricultural authority, confirmed the outbreak in Wuqi District (梧棲區) and implemented emergency restrictions from noon. The deadly animal disease threatens Taiwan's status as Asia's only territory free from major swine diseases.
The affected farm housed 300 pigs when deaths began Oct. 10, escalating to 117 fatalities by Sunday (Oct. 20). Laboratory tests confirmed African swine fever Oct. 21, prompting authorities to conduct preventive culling of the remaining 195 pigs by 3 a.m. Earlier on Wednesday, officials established a 3-kilometer control zone encompassing two additional pig farms to contain potential spread.
The MOA banned kitchen waste as pig feed and mandated comprehensive disinfection at meat markets and transport vehicles. Taiwan earned recognition in June as Asia's only territory free from three major swine diseases, but has faced criticism over inconsistent airport quarantine standards since 2019. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the global animal health authority, certified Taiwan as disease-free in May, making this outbreak particularly significant. ◼
