The Agriculture Ministry announced on Tuesday that Taiwan is expected to be recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as free of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) by the end of May. This positions Taiwan to become the first country in Asia to be free of the three major swine diseases: Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and African Swine Fever (ASF). The recognition would mark a major milestone for Taiwan’s animal health efforts and boost international competitiveness for its pork industry.

CSF is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that poses a severe threat to the pig farming industry. The CSF virus, which is commonly transmitted through direct contact, can remain viable in pork and processed pork products for several months under refrigeration and for years when frozen.

Taiwan was listed in WOAH’s self-declaration list of ASF-free countries in October 2023 and received a recommendation for CSF-free status from the WOAH Scientific Commission in February. The final recognition is expected to be approved at the WOAH General Assembly, provided there are no objections following a 60-day comment period.

The ministry says Taiwan has not reported a CSF case since 2005 and ceased CSF vaccinations in July 2023. Strict monitoring, biosecurity measures, and CSF prevention have since controlled the disease.