A drifted pig carcass was recently discovered in Kinmen, and it has been confirmed to be infected with the African Swine Fever virus. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a suspension of all shipments of pigs and related products from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan and other islands from today until June 23.

According to the Kinmen County government, on June 14, the Coast Guard reported finding the carcass at the Jin Ning Ci Ti shore. Quarantine personnel immediately took samples and incinerated the remains, followed by comprehensive disinfection. The samples were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Research Institute, which confirmed a positive PCR test for African Swine Fever virus, with 100% genetic similarity to strains circulating in China.

There are 25 pig farms within 10 kilometers of the carcass location, housing about 5,500 pigs. A thorough investigation confirmed that the health status of the pigs is normal, with no signs of infection.

To protect the livestock industry, the Ministry of Agriculture has enacted temporary epidemic prevention measures, banning the shipment of pork products for one week. However, over 40 businesses, including Sheng Zu, Liang Jin Industrial, and Qiao An Farm, have been listed as eligible to export products, including dried meat, dumplings, radish cakes, cooked foods, and hot pot bases.

The epidemic prevention office urges all livestock operators to remain vigilant and strictly enforce prevention management, including wearing dedicated clothing, cleaning, disinfection, prohibiting access to outsiders and outside vehicles, and avoiding feeding kitchen waste. Only through collective efforts can we prevent the virus from entering the country and avoid greater impacts on the industry.