Taiwan has successfully eradicated three significant swine diseases, as confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Taiwan has secured a significant achievement, becoming the sole Asian nation to be officially free of Classical Swine Fever (CSF), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The certification was granted following Taiwan's CSF-free status confirmation at the 92nd General Session held in Paris.
CSF, a highly contagious and deadly swine disease, has been prevalent in Asia for decades. Historical cases in Taiwan date back to 2005, with the last reported incident in Changhua County. Post-vaccination cessation in July 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture applied for WOAH's CSF-free certificate in August last year, securing recognition earlier this week.
This recognition not only solidifies Taiwan's unique position but also boosts the international credentials and competitiveness of the domestic pork farming sector, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Chief Veterinary Officer Tu Wen-jane, who received the certificate on Taiwan's behalf, attributed the achievement to industry-government-academia collaboration. She emphasized the importance of maintaining these partnerships to preserve Taiwan's disease-free status.
Celebrating the milestone, Republic of China Swine Association honorary president Yang Kuan-chang praised the government and public for their support of the hog farming industry, stating that "the honor belongs to all people of Taiwan." Premier Cho Jung-tai congratulated the pork farming and processing sector and extended gratitude to those supporting quarantine and epidemic prevention efforts.
Taiwan battled the foot-and-mouth disease in 1997, leading to a substantial loss of over NT$170 billion (US$5.68 billion) in the swine industry before gaining FMD-free status from WOAH in 2020. ASF has affected numerous countries globally and swept across Asia since 2018, but Taiwan effectively defended its borders against the virus. It earned local recognition as FMD-free in October last year.
Sources cited Taiwan's ongoing efforts, including strict disease monitoring, biosecurity measures, import controls, and regulatory enforcement, as key contributors to its disease-free status. These measures aim to protect the pig industry and secure Taiwan's unique position in the region.
Science and health-and-wellness played crucial roles in Taiwan's recent medical-conditions advancement, as they were instrumental in the country's successful defense against highly contagious and deadly swine diseases like Classical Swine Fever and African Swine Fever. The aforementioned collaborative efforts between the industry, government, and academia in Taiwan served to establish and maintain the country's disease-free status.
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