The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially included Taiwan in its list of countries free of African swine fever (ASF). In a press release on Friday, the Agriculture Ministry stated that Taiwan has demonstrated extreme effectiveness in border epidemic prevention, making it one of only two countries in East Asia to have ceased ASF transmission.
ASF is a highly contagious disease that causes a hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in domestic pigs. Though it infects its natural hosts of warthogs and bushpigs without symptoms, in domestic animals some isolates can be deadly as quickly as a week after contracting the virus. ASF is spread by ticks, direct contact with infected pigs, feces, or bodily fluids, and by pigs eating products that contain the virus. As the virus can survive up to 11 days in pig feces, and months or years in pork products, biosecurity measures are essential for prevention and control. ASF does not cause disease in humans.
Taiwan’s strict border control is the primary strategy preventing ASF from entering the country. The Agriculture Ministry pointed out that the WOAH recognition will have a profound impact on the development of Taiwan's pork industry, giving Taiwan a greater competitive advantage in the international market for pork supply.