outbreaks 結果共5筆

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Research Institute has detected a new variant of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in pork products brought in by travelers from mainland China. This recombinant strain, known for its high pathogenicity and transmissibility, has caused severe outbreaks in China since its confirmation in 2022. This is the first time that two different strains of the virus, including the Genotype II strain prevalent in China since 2018 and its variant, have been found in illegally imported crispy intestine products. Testing has shown a rising trend in the positive detection rate for the ASF virus in illegally carried meat products from China. With the Lunar New Year approaching, citizens are urged not to bring any pork-containing products back to Taiwan, and the institute warns against illegal imports to protect Taiwan’s pig farming industry.

Taipei’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, announced the implementation of a specialized avian influenza prevention program in September, including increased testing frequency to monitor the disease. This comes in response to recent outbreaks in Japan and chicken farms in Yunlin County, raising concerns about egg price hikes and shortages. Chen warned that the situation may worsen with the expected drop in temperature next week. Taiwan has been conducting active and passive surveillance for avian influenza since September, focusing on high-risk areas near migratory bird paths and implementing biosecurity measures at poultry farms. Chen assured that the country’s egg production capability has recovered since the shortage earlier this year, with reserves of liquid eggs available for emergencies. Domestic egg reserves will be released first in the event of increased market demand, with the import of liquid eggs only considered if a severe outbreak leads to a supply shortage. Chen emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate stock levels through the imported egg project to ensure a stable egg supply despite the challenges posed by avian influenza.

The Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations (FTPA) has implemented monitoring of drug purchase patterns, specifically focusing on individuals buying 10 to 20 boxes of cold and cough medicine in one visit. These purchases must now be reported. The FTPA has received reports of bulk purchases by spouses from China and Taiwanese businesspeople, who claim these medications can be sold for a higher price in China. The FTPA emphasizes that medications should not be sold without a prescription and any violations will be reported to authorities. Additionally, there has been a growing trend of spouses from China taking chronic disease medications back to their home country, despite the prohibition of private sale. This development coincides with China’s respiratory disease outbreaks, particularly with an increase in mycoplasma cases.

Taiwan’s CDC warns that respiratory illness cases in China may peak around Lunar New Year due to multiple pathogens affecting the northern regions. The CDC emphasizes that the surge is not caused by a single agent and poses challenges across different age groups. In addition to mycoplasma, other infectious threats like influenza and COVID-19 should not be ignored. To prepare for increased cross-strait travel, the CDC urges vaccination against flu and COVID-19, especially for the elderly and young children with weaker immune systems. Non-essential trips to China are recommended to be postponed as a precautionary health measure.

The Livestock Disease Control Center of Chiayi County culled 35,000 quails due to an outbreak of the H5N1 virus. The infection was confirmed at a quail farm in Xikou Township, Chiayi County. This is the first avian flu outbreak in the county since the start of Autumn. The farm reported diarrhea and abnormal deaths among its quails, leading to suspicions of avian influenza. Lab results confirming the H5N1 infection were received. The farm has experienced two previous outbreaks of avian flu, prompting calls for improved management practices and biosecurity measures.