Taoyuan: Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected the border quarantine measures for African swine fever (ASF) at Taoyuan International Airport, stressing the importance of strict enforcement to keep the virus out of Taiwan. Cho examined the carry-on baggage inspection area at Terminal 1 and toured the cargo screening operations of China Airlines.

According to Focus Taiwan, central and local governments, alongside relevant agencies, have recently collaborated to contain the ASF outbreak to a single site and prevent further spread. Pigs found dead at a farm in Taichung’s Wuqi District were confirmed positive for ASF on October 21, leading to a temporary ban on pig transport and slaughter. Virus analysis on October 25 identified this as Taiwan’s first outbreak. The restrictions were lifted on Friday after no new cases were reported.

Cho emphasized that vigilance is crucial and that only through comprehensive defenses-including equipment, human resources, inspections, and enforcement-can Taiwan effectively block the virus. He also mentioned that with the upcoming trial operations for the northern concourse of the airport’s new Terminal 3 in December, its safety and quarantine standards should align with those of the existing terminals.

As cross-border travel and trade are anticipated to rise with the government’s tourism initiatives, Cho stated that manual inspections by customs officers should increase by at least 20 percent, adhering to a ‘zero trust, zero tolerance’ policy. Additionally, President Lai Ching-te, on Saturday, urged the public to refrain from sending or bringing banned meat products from abroad, highlighting the public’s role in safeguarding Taiwan’s hog industry.

On social media, Lai expressed gratitude to pig farmers, industry partners, vendors, and the public for their support in the government’s ASF prevention efforts.