Taiwan has formally reapplied to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition as being free of African swine fever (ASF).
The Ministry of Agriculture submitted the application on February 21, the first day that eligibility conditions were met.
From outbreak to containment
Taiwan was declared ASF-free in May 2025, along with freedom from classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease. That status was lost after an outbreak at a Taichung hog farm in October 2025.
The farm was disinfected and cleared by November 21, 2025. Subsequent monitoring and epidemiological investigations confirmed no further cases. The outbreak was officially closed and reported to WOAH on January 23, 2026.
Meeting international standards
WOAH rules allow reapplication three months after disinfection of the last infected site. Taiwan met this threshold on February 21, enabling its submission.
The ministry emphasized that Taiwan’s prevention and control systems have stabilized. It noted that the viral transmission chain has been blocked and monitoring data confirm no circulation of ASF.
To strengthen the application, experts and academics reviewed technical data, monitoring designs, and disease control measures.
The ministry said this ensured scientific soundness and compliance with WOAH requirements.
Safeguarding livestock health
The WOAH review process is expected to take 6-8 months. This is longer than usual, as the application follows a recent outbreak.
Meanwhile, Taiwan is reinforcing biosecurity and quarantine measures. The ministry outlined several steps:
- ✅ Bolstering border inspections and curbing illegal meat imports
- ✅ Promoting technological upgrades at hog farms using kitchen waste feed
- ✅ Expanding early warning and monitoring systems nationwide
- ✅ Conducting biosecurity inspections at farms to prevent recurrence
Officials stressed that these measures aim to secure Taiwan’s ASF-free status once regained.
They added that continued vigilance is essential to protect Taiwan’s livestock industry and maintain international confidence.