African swine fever has again been detected in a drifted pig found in Kinmen County. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency has raised the national disease alert, strengthened border inspections, transport controls and surveillance, and completed health checks at local pig farms to protect Taiwan's swine industry and food safety.

Tests confirmed the sample was positive for African swine fever virus. Genetic analysis found the virus closely matched the strain detected in a drifted pig last year, indicating another imported case carried to Taiwan's border by ocean currents and highlighting the continued risk in nearby regions.

Kinmen immediately activated its highest-level response. Health inspections were completed at all 25 pig farms within a 10-kilometer radius, with no abnormalities found. Cleaning and disinfection were also completed, while fresh pork and related products from Kinmen have been temporarily barred from shipment to Taiwan proper and other offshore islands. Inspections at airports and ports have also been tightened.

Border controls across Taiwan have also been strengthened, including checks on high-risk travelers, luggage, international parcels, smuggling, Mini Three Links passengers, maritime express cargo and coastal patrols to reduce the risk of the disease entering the country.

Authorities reminded the public not to bring pork or pork products into Taiwan illegally. Anyone finding a suspected drifted pig should report it immediately to disease control authorities to help protect the swine industry and food safety.