Taiwan continues to be on high alert, concerned that the spread of the virus from China could hit its pig farming industry, which is worth NT$80 billion per year.

Since the first outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in China in August 2018, 98 pig carcasses have been found along Taiwan's coastline and neighbouring islands. Seven of these carcasses have tested positive for the ASF virus according to the latest report by Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center for ASF.

All seven carcasses were found in outlying islands with five found in Kinmen County and two in Lienchiang County (Matsu). The origins of the pigs are unknown, with some people speculating they had drifted from China. However, the centre believes this scenario to be unlikely and are calling upon all Taiwanese pig farmers to dispose of dead pigs properly, in accordance with the stipulations of the Animal Industry Act.

The centre stated that all those who improperly dispose of dead pigs will be fined, adding that if an improperly disposed of pig carcass tests positive for a communicable disease and the farmer is identified, the maximum fine is NT$1 million (US$31,705).