’HAWK EAGLES’: The drones can reach an altitude of 4,000m and stay in the air for up to four hours, and are to boost the Forestry Bureau’s aerial survey efforts
Taipei Times
Date: Jan 08, 2019
By: Lin Chia-nan / Staff reporter
The Council of Agriculture (COA) yesterday unveiled two new uncrewed aerial vehicles
Officials pose next to uncrewed aerial vehicles at an unveiling ceremony at the Council of Agriculture in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA
developed by a local firm to improve its aerial surveys and assist in quarantine measures against African swine fever.
The disease has spread to 23 provinces in China and pig carcasses have been found across Taiwan over the past weeks, but only one found in Kinmen County on Dec. 31 had tested positive for the disease as of yesterday.
The fixed-wing drones could be used to help the coast guard hunt for pig carcasses drifting at sea, in addition to surveying agricultural lands and crop production, COA Deputy Minister Lee Tui-chih (李退之) told a news conference in Taipei.
The nation’s pork products are safe and supplies are stable, he said, adding that the council would continue to protect the local hog industry against the disease.
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