The Kinmen County government reported tonight (17th) that on the 14th of this month, a dead pig was discovered floating in the sea off the coast of Jinning Township. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus nucleic acid. Biosecurity units immediately conducted disinfection and incineration of the carcass and activated emergency biosecurity measures for surrounding livestock operations.

According to reports from the Maritime Patrol Administration of Kinmen, personnel were dispatched to the site for sampling and processing. Samples were sent to the Veterinary Research Institute of the Council of Agriculture for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which confirmed positivity for ASF virus. Genetic sequencing analysis showed a 100% similarity to the second genotype of ASF virus prevalent in China.

To prevent the outbreak from spreading, biosecurity offices coordinated with local veterinarians in Jincheng, Jinhua, Jinning, and Lieyu Townships to inspect 25 hog farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the incident site. Currently, over 5,500 pigs have been confirmed healthy, and management practices are deemed normal. The county government emphasized that Kinmen is located close to the Chinese coast and has previously experienced incidents involving floating pig carcasses due to ocean currents and monsoons.

To ensure biosecurity, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a temporary suspension from now until June 23 on shipping pigs and their by-products from Kinmen to mainland Taiwan and other islands. However, some producers who meet risk assessment criteria and are listed by the Ministry of Agriculture can still export products. Local brands including beef jerky and pork floss are among those exempted from restrictions.

The biosecurity office urges farmers and pig producers to strictly implement safety measures, including changing to dedicated footwear, regular disinfection, and prohibiting unauthorized access to livestock facilities.