TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan lifted its 15-day ban on live pig transportation Thursday (Nov. 6) at noon, ending restrictions imposed to control African swine fever. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部), Taiwan's agricultural authority, announced the decision after no new cases of fever were reported. The Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC, 中央災害應變中心) confirmed the lifting at its press conference on Wednesday (Nov. 5).
Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) confirmed that no new African swine fever cases have emerged beyond the original incident in Taichung. Fresh pork supply will resume Friday (Nov. 7) as markets prepare for normal operations. The phased lifting will restore pig auctions, slaughtering, and carcass transportation across Taiwan.
Department of Animal Industry Director-General Li Yi-chien (李宜謙) reports that daily slaughter capacity will reach 30,000 pigs, up 5,000 from normal levels. Traditional markets will offer fresh pork starting Friday (Nov. 7) following the ban's end. Taiwan's pig farms accumulated 350,000 to 390,000 additional pigs during the 15-day restriction period.
Minister Chen implemented a registration system and consulted with farming associations to ensure price stability during the market's resumption. Kitchen waste feeding remains banned until authorities complete the necessary inspection, monitoring, and legislative requirements. The government will subsidize pig farmers' feed costs, as improper cooking of kitchen waste contributed to the fever outbreak.