Taiwan has confirmed its first domestic case of African swine fever (ASF), joining 68 countries and territories that have faced the deadly livestock disease since 2022, CNA reports.

Authorities detected the virus on a pig farm in Wuqi District, Taichung, after 117 pigs died between October  10 and 20. Laboratory tests confirmed the infection, prompting swift containment measures. Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih announced that 195 pigs had been culled to prevent further spread, while an inquiry is underway to trace the source of the outbreak.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily banned the transport and slaughter of pigs nationwide for five days starting October 22. The use of kitchen waste as animal feed has also been suspended as a precautionary step.

Pork plays a vital role in Taiwanese cuisine and forms the backbone of the island’s agricultural economy, generating about TWD70bn ($2.3bn) annually. Taiwan has long maintained strict biosecurity and disease-prevention measures to protect its pork sector, which has been a key pillar of rural livelihoods.

Until recently, Taiwan stood out in Asia as the only country officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health as free from African swine fever, classical swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease. The confirmation of this outbreak marks a significant setback for the island’s livestock industry, heightening concerns over regional disease control and food supply stability.