Taiwan Anticipates Official Recognition as Classical Swine Fever-Free

Achievement Expected to Boost International Trade and Agricultural Standing

An announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that Taiwan is on track to receive official recognition as a classical swine fever (CSF)-free territory from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in the coming months.

The application for recognition has been approved by the WOAH's Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases. The process is currently undergoing a 60-day review period.

Provided no objections are raised by other WOAH member countries, Taiwan's CSF-free status will be formally ratified during the organization's General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates, anticipated at the end of May.

The likelihood of approval is considered high, given that any opposing member nation would need to provide scientifically substantiated evidence to support their claims.

Classical swine fever is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that poses a significant threat to the pig farming industry.

Taiwan eradicated its last confirmed case of CSF in 2005. Since then, a range of measures have been implemented to control the spread of the disease. These measures include vaccination programs, comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems, and rigorous biosecurity protocols.

In July 2023, Taiwan ceased CSF vaccinations and established a dedicated monitoring mechanism to assess its freedom from the CSF virus. Concurrently, border quarantine procedures were strengthened.

Following thorough monitoring and evaluation, confirming Taiwan's eligibility for CSF-free recognition, an application was formally submitted to the WOAH in August 2024.

The WOAH's expert panel has reviewed the submitted quarantine strategies and monitoring data, concluding they align with the standards stipulated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code for CSF-free countries. The application was subsequently approved on February 20, 2025.

According to the Ministry, if Taiwan achieves CSF-free certification, it will be the sole nation in Asia recognized as free from classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and African swine fever.

The attainment of CSF-free status is expected to pave the way for negotiations regarding quarantine conditions to facilitate pork exports, particularly to markets like Japan.

Taiwan has actively promoted pork products in the Japanese market in recent years, generating considerable interest among Japanese businesses.