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In response to the threat posed by African swine fever, the Coast Guard has recently intensified its maritime inspection efforts. Reports indicate that drifting pigs were found near the coast of Kinmen, and samples tested positive for the African swine fever virus. As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture has issued an emergency announcement prohibiting the import of pigs and pig products from Kinmen to Taiwan and other offshore islands from June 17 to June 23 to prevent the spread of the disease.

This control measure will remain in effect for at least one week, with the Ministry of Agriculture stating that the restrictions will only be lifted once it is confirmed that no new cases emerge in Kinmen during this period. To cooperate with the government's epidemic prevention policies, the Coast Guard's northern division has activated an emergency response mechanism, with the district chief personally leading a team to oversee safety inspections at Hsinchu Fishing Port and Taipei Commercial Port.

At the inspection sites, the Coast Guard has partnered with search dog units to conduct comprehensive checks on ports, vessels, and coastal areas, ensuring strict measures are in place to prevent the African swine fever virus from spreading to Taiwan's main island or other offshore islands through maritime routes. Moreover, the Coast Guard is actively promoting disease prevention awareness among fishermen and relevant personnel through fishing associations and grassroots channels, enhancing the epidemic reporting mechanisms in the hopes of increasing public vigilance.

Taiwan has been recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a zone free of African swine fever and is the only country in Asia without the “three major pig diseases” (African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and classic swine fever). This hard-earned achievement in epidemic prevention relies heavily on the long-term efforts and cooperation of all sectors of society. The Coast Guard pledges to continue closely collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant departments to secure the border and jointly protect the health and safety of the public, ensuring that the African swine fever epidemic does not threaten Taiwan's hard-won results.