Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture (COA) found 292 cases of meat smuggling, including raw pork from China in August alone, amid fears of an epidemic of African swine fever (ASF) spreading from the country. COA’s Deputy Minister Huang Chin-Cheng said authorities are concerned that ASF could spread to the local hog farming sector.
The 292 cases of meat smuggling from China last month included products like ham, sausages, and also raw pork. Customs will tighten checks on airlines and ships arriving in Taiwan. Citizens visiting China are advised not to visit any farm, or bring meat products back from the country.