Taipei, Taiwan — December 9, 2025
The Philippines has suspended imports of Taiwanese pork following an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak confirmed on October 22 at a pig farm in Taichung’s Wuqi District. In response, Taiwan’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) announced today that the government will apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on February 21, 2026 to regain its ASF-free status.
According to the bureau, the outbreak was limited to a single farm, and no additional cases have been detected nationwide. Under WOAH rules, a country may self-declare ASF-free status without going through expert panel reviews required for diseases like foot-and-mouth disease. If no new outbreaks occur, Taiwan is expected to be reinstated as an ASF-free country within one year after submitting the application.
Philippines Halts Taiwan Pork Imports
Following Taiwan’s confirmation of its first ASF case, the government voluntarily suspended all pork exports and notified WOAH immediately. Today, the Philippine authorities announced a full suspension of pork imports from both Taiwan and Spain, citing ASF detections in both locations. The Philippines also stated that its previously negotiated import protocols for Taiwanese pork are now invalid.
Taiwan Preparing Documents for ASF-Free Declaration
BAPHIQ Animal Quarantine Division chief Gao Huang-lin said preparations are underway for Taiwan’s official ASF-free declaration to WOAH. Since Taiwan has had no additional outbreaks since October, it meets the basic criteria for reinstatement.
He noted that once Taiwan regains its ASF-free status, it can resume pork export negotiations with the Philippines and other markets. The timeline, however, will depend on the Philippines’ demand, follow-up assessments, and any required inspections or questionnaires.
Spain’s ASF Case Also Affects Imports
With ASF detected among wild boars in Spain, Taiwan has also halted all imports of Spanish pork and related products. This has disappointed many consumers who enjoy Iberico pork and Spanish cured ham.
Gao explained that Spain must submit WOAH-recognized evidence proving it is ASF-free before Taiwan can consider lifting the import ban. Taiwan will then conduct a risk assessment before making any decision. He added that controlling ASF in wild boars is significantly more difficult due to their mobility and ability to harbor the virus.
International Example: Singapore Regained ASF-Free Status
When asked whether other countries have successfully regained ASF-free classification, Gao noted that Singapore identified ASF in wild boar carcasses in February 2023. After containment efforts, Singapore applied to WOAH last year to regain its ASF-free designation.
As Taiwan works toward reinstatement, authorities emphasize ongoing surveillance and strict biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks and restore international confidence in Taiwanese pork.