If you’re planning to bring a particular meat product from the Philippines to Taiwan, you may want to leave that idea behind.
The Central Emergency Operation Center there has announced the inclusion of the Philippines as one of the high-risk areas for African Swine Fever (ASF).
Travelers with carry-on bags coming from the Philippines are advised that these will be examined by X-Ray machines at the airport and other ports of entry after midnight, according to a report from Taiwan News.
This development came after “reliable sources” reported that there have been ASF cases in Bulacan and Rizal provinces, says a report from the Philippine Star.
However, the World Organization for Animal Health has not reported this yet.
In a press briefing on Monday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said they are conducting further confirmatory laboratory tests including blood samples to foreign laboratories to ascertain the cause of the animals’ deaths.
However, he said results may be available in two weeks but testing could take as long as three months.
Under Taiwan’s laws, travelers may face fines if they will carry this particular meat product and do not report it to authorities there especially if the products come from ASF-affected countries.
For the first offense, an NT$200,000 (USD$6,300) is set and NT$1 million (USD $31,600) for a second offense. Charges amount from NT$10,000 (USD$316) to NT$30,000 (USD$950) will be for travelers who will bring unreported meat products.
Photo credit: Department of Agriculture Philippines Facebook page
