Deputy Agricultural Minister Tu Wen-jen (fifth left) displays an official certificate declaring Taiwan as classical swine fever-free from the World Organization for Animal Health during the 92nd general session May 29 in Paris. (Courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture)

Taiwan was officially recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health May 29 as free of classical swine fever, making it the only country in Asia to be free of CSF, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

According to the ministry, the WOAH announcement came during its 92nd general session held May 25-29 in Paris. The positive development represents global recognition of Taiwan’s strong animal disease prevention and quarantine capability, the ministry said, adding that it also bodes well for promotion of the country’s pork exports.

Deputy MOA Minister Tu Wen-jen, who is also Taiwan’s chief veterinary officer, was at the event to receive a certificate confirming the CSF-free status and attributed the honor to the people of Taiwan. The country was declared foot-and-mouth disease-free in 2010 and ASF-free in 2024.

The ministry said Taiwan has not reported any CSF cases since 2006, stopped all CSF vaccinations in July 2023, and officially submitted its application for recognition to WOAH last August.

In addition to measures such as enhanced on-site inspection and disease monitoring and reporting, the MOA also attributed the success to effective quarantine protocol at ports of entry and strict inspections of international post.

The ministry said it will continue to strengthen monitoring, inspection and response capability for animal disease control, expand cooperation with the WOAH and its partner countries to safeguard Taiwan’s swine disease-free status, and strengthen the local sector’s global competitiveness. (SFC-E)