TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – As the World Organization for Animal Health prepares to recognize Taiwan as free of swine fever in May, talks to export pork to Japan could start soon after, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed Wednesday.

The global organization’s scientific committee has given a positive advice notice for Taiwan’s application for swine fever-free status, per CNA. If no other member nations disagree within a 60-day review period, the organization’s annual meeting in Paris in late May is likely to approve Taiwan’s new status. 

Any member country objecting would have to provide scientific evidence to back up its claims, the ministry said.

Interest from Japan in fresh pork from Taiwan is high because the country is already familiar with braised pork and pork chop lunchboxes, according to Ministry of Agriculture officials. International trade practices dictate that talks about health inspections and procedures can start during the second half of the year, followed by contacts with Japanese importers.

Taiwan’s most recent animal cull to counter the spread of classical swine fever dates back to 2005. The next step was a complete stop of animal vaccination against the disease in July 2023. 

Prevention measures, education, and border checks have ensured that swine fever is no longer present in Taiwan, the ministry said.

If the May decision is positive, Taiwan would become one of the few countries in Asia free of all three major pig diseases: classical swine fever, African swine fever, and foot and mouth disease.