TAICHUNG, October 22, 2025 — Taiwan has confirmed its first outbreak of swine fever, a highly contagious disease deadly to pigs but harmless to humans. Officials have culled 195 pigs after samples from a farm in Taichung’s Wuqi district tested positive this month.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Tu Wen-jane said no other abnormalities have been detected so far. Authorities have established a three-kilometre control zone around the affected area to prevent the spread of the virus.
For the next five days, all pig transport and slaughter operations across the island are suspended as a precautionary measure.
Taiwan is home to around five million pigs, and its pork industry contributes about NT$70 billion (US$2.3 billion) annually to the economy.
President Lai Ching-te has urged the public not to panic and called on local governments, livestock associations, and farmers to stay alert. “If you notice any unusual pig deaths or suspected infections, report them immediately to local animal quarantine authorities,” Lai advised in a Facebook post.
Experts warn that an uncontrolled outbreak could severely impact Taiwan’s pork exports and domestic food supply, making containment efforts crucial in the coming weeks.
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