The Republic of China Premier, Su Tseng-chang, stated that Taiwan’s epidemic prevention efforts have been successful, with the World Organization for Animal Health officially certifying Taiwan as the only country in Asia free from three major pig diseases – African swine fever, classical swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease.
Premier Su Tseng-chang announced on his Facebook page on the 29th, “We have officially obtained recognition from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Taiwan has become the only country in Asia without the three major pig diseases of African swine fever, classical swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease.”
He mentioned that Taiwan experienced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 1997, which was declared disease-free by WOAH in 2020. In August 2018, China had an outbreak of African swine fever, rapidly spreading to neighboring countries. Through rigorous prevention measures, WOAH officially recognized Taiwan as free from African swine fever last year.
Premier Su Tseng-chang stated, “Many countries in Asia suffer greatly from classical swine fever. Taiwan has been battling this disease since the Japanese colonial period. Through mandatory vaccination and environmental monitoring, among other practices, our country has made continuous efforts over the years and finally achieved this honor.”
He expressed gratitude to all the frontline heroes involved in quarantine and border control over the years, as well as congratulating and thanking pig farmers, transporters, and slaughter and processing industry workers nationwide. He also acknowledged the efforts of past government administrations, notably former Premier Su Tseng-chang and Minister Chen Chi-chung’s steadfast commitment, with the government working together cohesively.
Premier Su Tseng-chang mentioned that he had told the Minister of Agriculture that they are happy but will not slack off and must continue to strive for improvement. He thanked every citizen for cooperating with government policies and adhering to epidemic prevention regulations. He emphasized that this honor belongs to all the people of the country and everyone can proudly say, “We have succeeded in epidemic prevention!”
Former Premier of the Republic of China, Su Tseng-chang, posted on Facebook, recalling his time as Premier when neighboring countries were facing African swine fever outbreaks. Being an island nation with frequent international travel, Taiwan had to prevent the entry of meat products at customs and be vigilant against potentially infected dead pigs drifting in from unknown origins, causing stress from the government down to pig farmers on a daily basis.
Su Tseng-chang recounted that thanks to the meticulous oversight by the Council of Agriculture led by Chen Chi-chung at the time, and the swift deployment of X-ray machines to inspect incoming luggage by then Minister of the Interior, Hsu Kuo-yung, with the collaboration of 14 government agencies, Taiwan can still enjoy pork today, maintaining a multi-billion-dollar industry.
He highlighted that epidemic prevention for swine diseases requires not only government determination and the diligence of pig farmers but also the patience and willingness of the entire populace to cooperate. This ongoing battle will not conclude with just a certificate, and he hopes that everyone will continue to work together to safeguard Taiwan’s pigs.
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Translated and rewritten from a news article published by Epoch Times on May 30, 2025.