Taiwan’s Hog Farms Clear Initial Tests for African Swine Fever

Taiwan’s agricultural authorities have announced that nearly 80 percent of hog farms tested negative for the African swine fever (ASF) virus following a recent outbreak in Taichung. The confirmation of the country’s first ASF case since 2005 has raised ongoing concerns, as the situation remains “tense,” according to Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih.

The initial screening involved 40 hog farms connected to the site in Taichung’s Wuci District, where the infection was reported. Minister Chen emphasized that a single round of testing might not be sufficient due to the virus’s 15-day incubation period. “In other words, we are now entering a more tense phase,” he stated during a press conference.

Government Response and Testing Measures

The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), led by Chen, plans to complete nationwide testing of hog farms by Sunday. The authorities aim to refine their monitoring strategies based on the results. In response to the outbreak, the government has enforced a 15-day ban on the slaughtering, transporting, and feeding of pigs with kitchen waste, a move designed to curb the potential spread of the disease. These measures have disrupted operations for food providers and hog farmers across the country.

Minister Chen noted that the CEOC will conduct daily reviews of the implementation and impact of these measures, with discussions every five days to assess any necessary changes. Concerns about using kitchen waste as feed have resurfaced, prompting debate among political figures. Some members of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) have criticized President William Lai for opposing a ban on kitchen waste as hog feed during his time as premier in 2018.

Political Debate and Future Actions

Yunlin County Commissioner Chang Li-shan of the KMT stated that she imposed a ban on kitchen waste as hog feed in late 2018 due to the ASF outbreak in China, citing the risk of contagion to local farms. In response, Lai explained that most local government heads opposed a full ban during a meeting at that time. Subsequently, the government established guidelines allowing local authorities to use kitchen waste for hog feed, provided it meets hygiene standards by heating the waste above 90°C for more than an hour.

Chen affirmed that while local governments control the issuance of recycling licenses, the central government respects their decisions regarding the use of kitchen waste as hog feed. He also expressed a willingness to gather information on international practices concerning the recycling of kitchen waste into feed, rather than relying on raw and unprocessed waste.

As the situation develops, the government remains vigilant in its efforts to manage the ASF outbreak and protect Taiwan’s hog farming industry.