Focus Taiwan
Date: 2018/12/14
By: Chiu Chun-chin and Flor Wang

CNA file photo

Taipei, Dec. 14 (CNA) Quarantine inspections at Taiwan’s airports have been stepped up to prevent African swine fever (ASF) entering the country, as newly increased fines for those found smuggling meat products come into force, the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) said Friday.

In line with amended Article 45-1 of the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease, fines on individuals caught smuggling meat products from ASF-affected countries and areas has been increased effective from Friday, with NT$50,000 (US$1,620) for first-time offenders, NT$500,000 for second-time offenders and NT$1 million for repeat offenders.

Sniffer dogs are also being employed at airports, targeting mainly flights from China, where ASF has reached 21 provinces, cities and areas since the first reported outbreak in early August.    [FULL  STORY]