Focus Taiwan
Date: 06/16/2020
By: Yang Su-min and Chiang Yi-ching

Taipei, June 16 (CNA) Taiwan and the offshore counties of Penghu and Matsu have been officially declared a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free zone where vaccination is not practiced, Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) announced Tuesday.

The COA and President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) made the announcement via Facebook late Tuesday, saying the decision was approved by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

COA head Chen Chi-chung (陳吉仲) confirmed the news to a CNA reporter.

The declaration is expected to facilitate the resumption of fresh pork exports from Taiwan after a 24-year hiatus.    [FULL  STORY]