The first ASF case in Taiwan was confirmed on October 21 at a farm in Taichung City. Authorities quickly implemented control measures and investigations that helped localize the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
According to Focus Taiwan, the infection was most likely caused by feeding pigs unsterilized food waste, while other potential sources — such as wild animals, people, transport, or neighboring farms — were deemed unlikely. At the affected farm, infection was found only among pigs fed food waste, whereas animals receiving compound feed remained healthy.
Lapses in enforcement and dismissals
While feeding kitchen waste to pigs is not officially banned in Taiwan, it is allowed only if the material is heated above 90°F (32°C) for at least one hour and supported by photographic evidence. However, investigations revealed poor enforcement of these regulations, which likely contributed to the outbreak.
As a result, the mayor of Taichung dismissed three senior officials responsible for overseeing biosecurity compliance.
Virus linked to mainland China and Vietnam
Genetic sequencing showed that the virus shared more than 99.9% similarity with strains previously detected in China and Vietnam, suggesting that the infection may have entered Taiwan through an international border.
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai personally inspected quarantine facilities at Taoyuan International Airport, emphasizing the importance of strict baggage and cargo screening and the rigorous enforcement of sanitary procedures.
ASF situation in other Asian countries
While Taiwan managed to contain its first outbreak, ASF continues to spread in other parts of Asia.
In India, the disease remains largely uncontrolled in the state of Assam, where more than 45,000 pigs have died since 2020. New cases have also been confirmed in Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh, prompting restrictions on animal movement and the closure of pork shops.
In Vietnam, outbreaks were reported in several provinces — Ha Tinh, Vinh Long, and Khanh Hoa — where more than 11,000 pigs were culled within three weeks. Authorities have established permanent checkpoints to contain the spread.
In South Korea, seven more wild boars tested positive for ASF last week, bringing the total number of infected wild animals to 4,270 since 2019.
European front: new outbreaks in five countries
According to the European Commission, between October 30 and November 5, new ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs were reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Romania, and Serbia. The highest numbers were recorded in Romania (417), Serbia (219), and Croatia (53).
In total, 849 ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs and over 9,000 cases in wild boar have been registered in Europe in 2025 so far.
Summary
Taiwan successfully contained its first ASF outbreak, but the situation in other regions of Asia and Europe remains concerning. The continued spread of the virus underscores that global swine production remains at high risk, and strict biosecurity and feed control remain essential tools in combating the disease.
PigUA.info based on materials from feedstrategy.com