A pig carcass was found floating in the waters of Jinning Township, Kinmen County on June 14. Following sampling and testing by local animal health authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on June 17 that the sample tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) virus and matched the genetic sequence of the prevalent genotype virus found in China. In accordance with the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention Act, the Ministry has announced an emergency ban on the transport of pigs and pork products from Kinmen to Taiwan and other offshore islands, effective immediately until June 23.

Upon receiving the report, authorities promptly conducted sample collection and proceeded to incinerate and bury the carcass at the site. All personnel, vehicles, and equipment used in the operation underwent thorough decontamination, and the discovery site was also thoroughly disinfected. The samples were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Research Institute for PCR testing, revealing a 100% genetic similarity with strains circulating in mainland China.

The animal health authority also mentioned that within a 10-kilometer radius of the carcass discovery site, there are 25 pig farms raising over 5,500 pigs. Health inspections conducted by veterinarians confirmed that the pigs are healthy and management practices are normal. Kinmen, being close to the Chinese coast, is susceptible to allochthonous pig carcasses being washed ashore due to ocean currents and monsoon winds. All contact points have been disinfected and are under surveillance.

To ensure the safety of Taiwan’s pork industry, the Ministry of Agriculture has prohibited the transportation of pigs, carcasses, internal organs, and all types of fresh and processed products from Kinmen to Taiwan and its offshore islands from June 17 until June 23. However, operators and products that have been assessed and listed by the Animal Health Inspection and Quarantine Agency as having low risk for foot-and-mouth disease, following an application to the county government, may still be transported.

Currently, Kinmen products permitted for export include dried pork and beef, confectionery, baked goods, cooking packs, beef snacks, beef extract drinks, frozen cooked meat, and radish cake among others, produced by over 30 qualified companies, including well-known brands such as Shengzu, Liangjin, and Yuantou Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. The animal health authorities urge pig farms to implement stricter self-management, enhance biosecurity measures, regularly disinfect facilities, and prohibit feeding swine with kitchen waste to prevent disease transmission. It is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and work together to prevent the spread of African swine fever in Taiwan.