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Taiwan: 2024-2026 Avian flu in poultry

[related to Post #38 above. Translated]]

Food Supply Chain Risks Escalate; Institutionalized Epidemic Prevention and Large-Scale Operations Become Key Indicators
  • 2026.02.12
​Recently, a ranch in Fengyuan, Taichung, has been involved in a controversy regarding the reporting and handling of avian influenza, sparking widespread discussion on social media. According to relevant information, the ranch was found to have failed to complete the required disease reporting procedures and was also involved in questions regarding the compliance of its large-scale disposal procedures for dead poultry. There are also concerns that the products may have already entered the market before the authorities intervened. The incident quickly attracted public attention, mainly because the ranch had previously obtained animal welfare-related certifications and sold its products throughout Taiwan via e-commerce channels, accumulating a large customer base of households and retailers.

This ranch has long emphasized animal welfare and environmentally friendly farming as its core brand values, boasting a large following of long-term subscribers. Following news of related controversies surrounding the outbreak, some consumers expressed shock and disappointment on social media, feeling a disconnect from the brand's long-emphasized high standards of epidemic prevention and management. For families who highly value food safety, such incidents undoubtedly impact trust.

This case has also reignited discussions in the market regarding certification systems and brand image. In recent years, concepts such as "environmentally friendly production" and "small-scale farming" have gained consumer favor, becoming important markers of product differentiation. However, experts point out that various certifications and labels mostly review specific aspects and do not equate to covering all aspects of risk management. Without continuous monitoring and a sound internal management mechanism, a single certificate is insufficient to fully represent overall quality and risk control capabilities.​

In fact, many small and medium-sized farms, limited by their capital scale, while committed to animal welfare, lack comprehensive biosecurity systems, including high-standard negative pressure water curtain equipment, strict control of personnel and vehicle movement, animal and feed protection, and disease monitoring and early warning. In the event of a highly pathogenic virus like H5N1, without industrial-grade disease prevention facilities to block wild birds and vectors, the "open animal welfare environment" becomes extremely risky. Therefore, when operators face the pressure of huge losses from culling entire farms, concealing outbreaks becomes the worst option.

Compared to small farmers who may become regulatory blind spots due to insufficient inspection personnel or remote locations, large egg processing plants are the "key targets" of health authorities. Take, for example, Chin Yi Egg Technology, a leading domestic liquid egg supplier to chain restaurants and bakeries across Taiwan. Its inspection standards are almost "military-style management." In addition to frequent unannounced inspections by the health bureau, it has a high-standard internal laboratory to implement daily "self-inspection" of each batch. To maintain its reputation and corporate client orders, Chin Yi has invested hundreds of millions of NT dollars in building a comprehensive biosecurity system, including negative pressure water curtain chicken houses and a fully automated washing and sorting system. While this may lack the sentimental story of a small-scale farmer, the food safety measures implemented with capital investment provide objective "data assurance" and "institutionalized epidemic prevention."

Following the Fengyuan Ranch case, previously reliable group-buying customers and restaurants faced a supply shortage crisis. For B2B businesses with stable daily egg needs, the fragility of the egg supply chain was glaringly obvious. In contrast, Chin Yi's advantage lies in its "remote backup" and "large-scale production capacity." Through its high-standard self-owned ranches and contract farming system distributed across different counties and cities, even if a single region experiences a risk, it can ensure an uninterrupted supply chain through coordination. This resilience is difficult for individual small-scale farms to achieve and is the most needed guarantee for chain restaurants under the new normal of the pandemic.

Avian influenza is not a temporary problem, but a long-term challenge in ecological and epidemic management. Whether it's long-term household consumers or B2B procurement with large orders, the mindset must be upgraded. Rather than relying on the conscience of individual businesses, it's better to trust objective "systems" and "hardware specifications." Choosing partners who are willing to invest in building strong epidemic prevention measures and can withstand rigorous supervision from health authorities may be the best way to ensure consumers' peace of mind and the long-term success of the brand.​

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260212701372-431207
 
Translated

2026.02.17​
A chicken farm in Tainan has been diagnosed with avian influenza; the Animal Protection Office has culled 336 chickens to prevent the spread of the disease

On February 14th, the Animal Protection Office of the Tainan City Government's Agriculture Bureau received a report from a laying hen farmer in Houbi District regarding abnormal deaths of his hens. Personnel were immediately dispatched to the site to control movement and investigate the outbreak, and samples were collected for testing. The birds were confirmed to be H5N1 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Animal Protection Office immediately followed standard operating procedures, culling 336 laying hens and destroying the eggs on the farm, and conducting thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Animal Protection Office stated that Tainan City has confirmed and culled two cases of avian influenza on poultry farms so far this year, both involving land-based poultry. Currently, various avian influenza prevention measures have been actively strengthened. Sampling and monitoring will be conducted at 18 poultry farms within a 1-kilometer radius of the culled farm, and 54 poultry farms within a 1-3 kilometer radius will be visited and disinfectant will be distributed

-snip-

The Animal Protection Office is actively implementing various avian influenza prevention and control measures. It also urges all poultry farmers in the city to cooperate with and implement biosecurity measures. If any poultry on the farm show symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, decreased egg production, or abnormal deaths, they should immediately report to the Animal Protection Office (06-6323039 ext. 1100). Do not conceal any outbreaks to prevent the spread of the disease. Those who fail to report as required will be subject to a fine of NT$50,000 to NT$1,000,000 for culling animals in accordance with the "Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act".

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260217700342-431401

 
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​wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7098
 
Translated
March 16, 2026

Bird Flu Feared Spreading in Yunlin! New Site Located Less Than 1 km from Confirmed Outbreak Farm; Concealment Could Incur Fines Up to NT$1 Million

Earlier this month, an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza subtype was reported in Shuilin Township, Yunlin County, resulting in the culling of approximately 24,000 chickens. One poultry farm operator is suspected of failing to report the outbreak. On the 16th, another outbreak was reported at a goose farm in Shuilin Township, leading to the culling of approximately 883 geese. Notably, this site is located less than one kilometer from the previously confirmed farm where the outbreak was allegedly concealed. The county government has issued a reminder that the avian influenza virus spreads rapidly; therefore, operators must report outbreaks in a timely manner and strictly implement various biosecurity measures both inside and outside their facilities.

On the 2nd of this month, the Yunlin County Animal and Plant Disease Control Center received a report from a free-range chicken farm in Shuilin Township regarding abnormal conditions among their flock. Subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza subtype. On the 3rd, a nearby free-range chicken farm was flagged by a slaughterhouse due to abnormal conditions in its chickens; this case was also confirmed as avian influenza. However, the operator of this second farm is suspected of concealing the outbreak and failing to report it. An investigation into this matter is currently underway; if the allegations are substantiated, the operator could face a fine of up to NT$1 million.

Liao Pei-chih, Director of the Disease Control Center, stated that on the 16th, the goose farm in Shuilin Township was officially confirmed by the Veterinary Research Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture to be infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza subtype. Upon receiving the test results, the Center immediately initiated disease control measures in accordance with standard operating procedures. They completed the culling of the poultry at the site, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises, resulting in the disposal of approximately 883 geese.

Director Liao added that the recently confirmed goose farm is located within a one-kilometer radius of the free-range chicken farm where the outbreak was allegedly concealed. Consequently, the Disease Control Center has intensified disinfection efforts in the surrounding public areas. Given the rapid transmission rate of the avian influenza virus, poultry operators are urged to strictly implement various biosecurity measures both inside and outside their facilities—specifically, ensuring that poultry houses are properly equipped with and maintain bird-proofing structures to prevent contact between wild birds and domestic poultry.

The Disease Control Center further appeals to poultry operators to consistently prioritize environmental cleanliness and conduct regular disinfection within and around their farm premises, while simultaneously maintaining strict control over the entry and exit of personnel and vehicles at their facilities. When conducting daily health checks on poultry, should any abnormalities be observed—such as unexplained deaths, a decline in feed intake, a sudden drop in egg production, or signs of lethargy—the relevant disease prevention authorities must be notified immediately to facilitate prompt intervention. Under no circumstances should any disease outbreaks be concealed, as doing so constitutes a violation of the law and is subject to penalties.​

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260316701457-431401
 
translated
2026.03.23​

Avian Alert! H5N1 Outbreak at Changhua Egg Farm; 60,000 Chickens Culled, Site Cleared and Disinfected

An avian alert has been issued! The Changhua County Animal Disease Control Center (ADCC) recently conducted proactive surveillance and sampling for avian influenza. On March 18, a layer farm in Fangyuan Township was officially confirmed by the Veterinary Research Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture to be infected with the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza. ADCC personnel completed the culling, site clearance, and disinfection operations at the affected farm on March 23, with a total of 62,314 layer hens culled.

Although recent weather conditions have been stable, sporadic outbreaks continue to be reported at various poultry farms. The ADCC reminds poultry farmers that while daytime temperatures have been high recently, the significant temperature difference between day and night can cause severe stress in poultry, thereby lowering their immune resistance. Poultry farms are urged to prioritize proper thermal management and ventilation. Furthermore, poultry operators must continue to reinforce bird-proofing measures at their farms and strictly enforce access controls for personnel and vehicles to prevent the occurrence and spread of disease outbreaks.

What specific conditions at a poultry farm warrant special attention? The ADCC states that regarding abnormal situations: for birds raised in floor-rearing systems, a cause for concern arises if the daily mortality rate exceeds or equals 0.4% for two consecutive days (meaning that out of every 1,000 birds, the number of deaths is four or more for two consecutive days). For birds raised in cage systems and for broiler chicken farms, concern arises if the daily mortality rate exceeds or equals 0.2% for two consecutive days (meaning that out of every 1,000 birds, the number of deaths is two or more for two consecutive days).

Additionally, poultry owners must remain vigilant regarding other suspicious signs—such as a decline of more than 5% in water intake, feed consumption, or egg production rates—or if birds exhibit symptoms such as facial swelling, bleeding from the eyes or nostrils, drooping wings, congestion in the shanks (red legs), twisted necks, or unexplained mass mortality. Owners must immediately and proactively report such cases to their local township or city office, or directly to the ADCC, to facilitate the timely detection and elimination of pathogens. Failure to report such incidents may result in a fine ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$1,000,000, in accordance with the *Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases*.​

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260323700787-431401



 
Translated

April 1, 2026
Concealing Avian Influenza: Fined One Million! Taichung's Fengkang Livestock Farm Cited for Multiple Violations; Files Administrative Appeal After Refusing to Pay

On the 1st, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office concluded its investigation into the case involving the Fengkang Livestock Farm in Taichung City for concealing an outbreak of avian influenza. The Taichung City Agriculture Bureau announced today that, because the farm failed to proactively report the outbreak, it has been fined NT$1 million in accordance with the *Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases*. Furthermore, under the law, no compensation will be provided for the animals culled or the materials destroyed during the operation. The farm operator has not yet paid the fine and has filed an administrative appeal with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Agriculture Bureau noted that the operator violated the *Veterinary Drugs Control Act* by hiring personnel without veterinary qualifications to administer injections in the absence of supervision by a licensed veterinarian; for this infraction, a fine of NT$30,000 was imposed, which also remains unpaid. Additionally, regarding the failure to dispose of dead or waste livestock and poultry in accordance with the approved disposal plan, a fine of NT$150,000 was imposed under the *Animal Husbandry Act*; this fine was fully paid by the penalized party on February 25.

The Agriculture Bureau further indicated that, regarding the farm's subsequent resumption of operations, the facility must adhere to the specific application procedures for farms previously affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. The farm may only resume raising livestock—and have the restrictions on animal movement lifted—after completing a series of steps: thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises, maintaining a 28-day "empty-shed" fallow period, obtaining negative results from environmental sampling and monitoring, and attending educational workshops followed by passing a proficiency test.

The Environmental Protection Bureau explained that the farm's actions—including the indiscriminate abandonment of hazardous industrial waste, allowing land to be used for waste stockpiling, and engaging in illegal waste collection and disposal—are suspected of violating the criminal liability provisions outlined in Articles 46-1, 46-3, and 46-4 of the *Waste Disposal Act*. Consequently, investigative and prosecutorial authorities have already formally indicted the parties involved.

Furthermore, pursuant to Article 26, Paragraph 1 of the *Administrative Penalty Act*, which states: "If a single act simultaneously constitutes a violation of criminal law and a breach of administrative legal obligations, the penalty shall be imposed in accordance with the criminal law," the Environmental Protection Bureau will proceed with the appropriate administrative sanctions once the court's final judgment has been rendered.​

https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260401701783-431401
 
Translated
5/5/26

H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Pingtung! 78,000 Quails Urgently Culled

On the 30th of last month, a quail farm in Yanpu Township, Pingtung County, voluntarily reported abnormal mortality among its birds. Following an investigation, the farm was officially diagnosed with H5N1 avian influenza on the 3rd. Consequently, 78,180 quails were immediately culled on the 4th. The County Government’s Animal Disease Control Center stated that this marks the second case recorded in Pingtung County this year, and that they will continue to intensify disease prevention measures to curb the spread of the outbreak.

The Pingtung County Government reported that upon receiving the notification on April 30, the Animal Disease Control Center immediately activated its disease prevention protocols in accordance with standard operating procedures. Personnel were swiftly dispatched to the quail farm in Yanpu Township to enforce movement restrictions, conduct disinfection spraying within and around the premises, and collect samples for testing by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Research Institute.

On the 3rd, the Institute confirmed that the farm was infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of avian influenza virus. On the 4th, the Animal Disease Control Center proceeded to the site to carry out culling operations, eliminating a total of 78,180 quails on the premises. This total included 6,300 breeding birds, 49,977 laying quails, and 21,903 one-day-old chicks. Additionally, the Center supervised the farm owner to ensure the thorough cleaning and disinfection of the site were completed, and initiated retrospective tracing of associated farms to mitigate the risk of further disease transmission.

... https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260505701172-431401
 
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