Government agencies in Taiwan strengthen border inspections of African Swine Fever during CNY

[Taiwan Immigrants Global News Network] Taiwan’s emergency center for African swine fever’s efforts in preventing invasion of ASF do not stop during Chinese New Year. Chen Ji Zhong (陳吉仲), the commander of Minister of Council of Agriculture of the Republic of China, stated that ASF is still going strong worldwide. The virus almost invaded Taiwan and this can be seen by cases of “Pig carcass found floating near New Taipei City” and “ASF detected in smuggled pork products from Vietnam”.

The authority will continue to strengthen border inspections of overseas parcels and passengers' luggage, as well as the investigation of illegally using food waste for pig breeding.

Chinese New Year is the peak period for inbound and outbound passengers and the public to shop and send gifts online. At present, border control agencies have planned various measures to enhance the control. The Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance (財政部關務署) cooperates with the Bureau of Animal and Health Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan (行政院農業委員會動植物防疫檢疫局), Chunghwa Post Co., Ltd. (中華郵政) and other relevant units to strengthen investigations. For example, parcels will be inspected more carefully and strictly to prevent possible invasion of ASF-contaminated meat products.

Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan emphasizes that “It has been announced that farms raising more than 200 pig can feed pigs with food waste only after passing the inspection. Those violating the regulation will be fined between NT$50,000 and NT$1,000,000. National Immigration Agency (NIA) appeals to new immigrants and migrant workers that do not purchase or bring back pork and meat products from abroad to Taiwan to avoid violating the rules and being fined.