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Exercise Caution in Gift Selection: Taipei City Animal Protection Office Warns Against Purchasing Pork Products from African Swine Fever-Endemic Areas

After the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in the frequency of gift-giving, online shopping, and international travel among the public. Taipei City Animal Protection Office (TCAPO) specifically reminds the public to refrain from receiving, purchasing online, or bringing pork products from African swine fever-endemic areas into the country. Violations may result in fines starting from a minimum of NT$200,000 under the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. Repeat offenders could face a heavier penalty of NT$1 million. It is very important that the public familiarizes themselves with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

 

TCAPO emphasizes its commitment to preventing the entry of African swine fever pathogens through illegal meat imports by implementing comprehensive X-ray inspections on all checked baggage and carry-on items from high-risk regions at airports and ports. Over the last three years, African swine fever has affected nearby countries, including Mainland China, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh and so on. It is essential for the public to exercise heightened caution when considering travel to these countries. Given the highly contagious nature of the virus, if individuals inadvertently introduce the virus into the country, it could have a devastating impact on the domestic pig farming industry. TCAPO stresses the importance of not illegally carrying or importing pork products from countries affected by African swine fever, either personally or through express and postal services. This is to prevent the potential invasion of detrimental overseas animal infectious diseases into our country. By doing so, we safeguard the domestic pig farming industry and ensure the food safety of the public, working together to protect the health of Taiwan’s pig population. 


TCAPO further states that all private pig farms within Taipei City ceased rearing pings in 2019. Regular inspections have been conducted, and so far, there have been no reports of resumed pig farming. TCAPO continues its efforts to raise awareness of African swine fever prevention measures and its substantial threat to the domestic pig farming industry. The entire population is urged to participate in epidemic prevention efforts. Anyone in possession of illegally sourced meat products is encouraged to voluntarily surrender said products to the respective branches of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. In case of suspected illegal pig farming, the public can report them through the 1999 hotline, prompting immediate investigation by TCAPO.


For additional information on African swine fever, you can visit the ‘African Swine Fever Information Section’ on the Central Emergency Operation Center’s website  (https://asf.aphia.gov.tw/index.php).