Image reproduced from 工商時報

The Kinmen County Government reported on the evening of the 14th that a dead floating pig was discovered along the shores of Cidi in the Jinning Township. Samples were collected and tested, confirming that the pig was positive for the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus nucleic acid. In response, the preventive unit quickly completed disinfection at the scene and incinerated the carcass, activating emergency prevention mechanisms for surrounding livestock farms.

The Kinmen Disease Control Center stated that this incident was reported by the 9th Coast Patrol Team of the Coast Guard Administration's Jinma Peng branch. The county government promptly dispatched personnel to collect samples and carry out onsite incineration. All personnel and equipment involved in the operation underwent thorough cleaning and disinfection. The collected samples were sent to the Veterinary Research Institute of the Council of Agriculture for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which confirmed a positive result for the ASF virus nucleic acid. Gene sequence analysis of the P72 and B602L viral genes showed a 100% similarity with the second genotype ASF virus prevalent in China.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the prevention unit coordinated with veterinarians from the town offices of Jincheng, Jinhou, Jinning, and Lieyu to conduct checks on 25 pig farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the site where the pig was found. Thus far, they have confirmed that over 5,500 pigs in these farms are currently healthy, and management practices are operating normally.

The county government emphasized that Kinmen is located at the frontline of the strait, geographically close to China, and has occasionally experienced incidents of floating pig carcasses due to ocean currents and monsoons in the past. To ensure comprehensive preventive measures, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that from today until June 23, the transport of pigs, their carcasses, internal organs, fresh and processed products from Kinmen to Taiwan Island and other outlying islands is temporarily suspended. However, certain approved producers and their products may still be exported, including well-known local products such as pork, traditional candy, baked goods, and prepared food items.

According to the exemption list, several dozen producers are currently exempt from the restrictions, covering products like beef (pork) jerky, meat floss, meat-filled traditional candies, meat pastries, prepared meals, hot pot soup bases, beef crackers, and frozen cooked meats. Notable local brands include Liang Jin Industry, Lao Nong Zhuang Food Co., Ltd., Sheng Zu Co., Ltd., Yuan Tou Agricultural and Animal Husbandry, Jinmen Gaokeng Beef Jerky, Yi Lai Shun Traditional Candy, and Xi Xiang Feng Baked Goods.

The prevention unit urges local residents and pig farmers to strictly implement preventive measures, including changing into dedicated clothing and footwear or wearing disposable protective gear upon entering the farms, regularly cleaning and disinfecting footwear, prohibiting unauthorized personnel and vehicles from entering pig housing areas, ensuring that vehicles follow disinfection protocols when entering and exiting, and refraining from feeding pigs with kitchen scraps. Additionally, producers are reminded to avoid contact with other livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and meat markets to prevent cross-contamination.