WOAH Officially Recognizes ROC (Taiwan) as African Swine Fever-Free Zone, Reinstating Asia's Only Nation Free from Three Major Swine Diseases

On April 6, 2026, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) officially approved the Republic of China (ROC)'s application to restore its self-declared African Swine Fever (ASF)-free zone status. Background: The ROC had experienced its first ASF outbreak at a pig farm in Taichung on October 21, 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture swiftly initiated culling, quarantine, and disinfection operations, containing and eradicating the outbreak within one month. The case was officially closed and reported to WOAH on January 23, 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture subsequently submitted the restoration application on February 21, 2026, which was approved on April 6. This achievement demonstrates the ROC's highly professional animal disease prevention capabilities, restoring its status as the only Asian nation to simultaneously hold ASF-free, Classical Swine Fever (CSF)-free, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free designations. The Ministry of Agriculture noted this will significantly boost the ROC's pork export competitiveness to key markets including Japan and South Korea.