China's African Swine Fever Outbreak Spreading|中國豬瘟疫情慘 私帶肉品返台恐觸法

China's African swine fever outbreak continues to spread. On Aug. 30, there were more cases confirmed in Anhui Province, which puts Taiwan on guard, but public awareness is still much needed. In August, despite the outbreak, there were still 60 cases of travelers illegally smuggling meat products into Taiwan, including raw meat. If caught, it will be a heavy fine of NT$15,000 or even criminal charges, if the meat is found to be infected.


According to a CCTV report, new cases of African swine fever were confirmed in China's Anhui Province on Aug. 31. Since the first case of African swine fever was reported in Shenyang in early August, the outbreak has spread to Henan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and now Anhui. Over 38,000 hogs have been culled so far.Although PRC officials say the situation is being effectively contained, infection seems to be spreading and China's neighbors are on high alert. Meat products purchased by a South Korean traveler from one of the infected areas were found to contain the virus. Taiwan's Council of Agriculture, meanwhile, says there were over 60 cases of travelers illegally bringing meat products from China back to Taiwan in August. The confiscated products included ham, sausages, and even raw meat.

We have tested 24 samples to date and none of them were infected. If this changes, we don't rule out seeking a seven-year prison sentence for the violator.

Bringing undeclared meat products from China into Taiwan is punishable by a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000 under the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease. As part of its efforts to step up disease prevention, the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine says travelers bringing illegal meat products into Taiwan will face the maximum fine. In addition, they may face criminal charges if the products test positive for disease or start an outbreak in Taiwan.