Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In response to the recent confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) in Spain, Taiwan has issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to refrain from sending any pork products originating from the European nation. This caution comes as government officials ramp up measures to safeguard Taiwan's pig farming sector from the perilous disease.
Authorities have declared severe penalties for those found importing illegal pork products. Individuals accepting such shipments will incur a fine of NT$200,000 (approximately US$6,400) for initial violations, escalating to NT$1 million for subsequent offenses. Engaging in pork importation via express service or cargo could lead to prison terms of up to seven years alongside fines reaching NT$3 million.
Recent findings in Spain disclosed two wild boars near Barcelona testing positive for ASF, breaking a 30-year hiatus of the virus in the country. Despite the absence of direct flights from Spain to Taiwan, ongoing direct mail services raise concerns regarding potential virus spread through international shipments, as reported by local media.
Taiwan's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency has added Spain to its roster of countries where ASF outbreaks have occurred in the last three years. Consequently, a prohibition on the importation of live hogs and pork products from Spain, effective immediately, has been established. Any illegal pork goods entering Taiwan will be disposed of or returned without delay.
Ranking as one of the largest pork importers, Taiwan comes second only to Canada, having imported 25,452 tonnes of pork in 2023 and 16,019 tonnes in 2024. With the increasing threats, officials stated that border inspections are set to be intensified to prevent illegal pork from entering the island.
Following a recent resolution to an outbreak in Taichung, Taiwan is preparing to seek reinstatement of its official ASF-free status next year. Allowing pork from Spain, where ASF has resurfaced, could jeopardize this objective, officials caution.
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