Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung says that this year’s Lunar New Year travel rush will bring with it a heightened risk of African swine fever reaching Taiwan. That’s because the disease has spread widely in the past year, hitting eleven countries in Asia.
The disease does not affect humans but is fatal to pigs. So far, Taiwan has succeeded in keeping the disease out, ramping up inspections and airports and handing out fines on those caught bringing meat products in. But there are still fears that the disease could hit Taiwan, with devastating consequences for its sizable pork industry.
This year’s holiday season begins January 23. Many travelers coming to Taiwan for the holiday will be flying in from affected areas. Authorities say that some will likely be carrying gift boxes of snacks that may contain pork products. 300 extra inspectors are being sent to airports during the season to help deal with the increased need for inspections the travel rush will bring.
The government is continuing to remind travelers not to bring any meat products into Taiwan.