Surveillance of major transboundary diseases in imported breeding pigs
Tsu-Han Chen
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), and foot and mouth disease (FMD) are major transboundary animal diseases designated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). These diseases pose substantial threats to the global swine industry and international trade. Our institute supports national quarantine measures by providing critical diagnostic services for these significant diseases. In 2025, pig farmers imported about 2,330 breeding pigs from countries including the United States, Denmark, Canada, and France. In accordance with revised quarantine regulations, additional essential diagnostic tests have been implemented since February 2025 to further strengthen the prevention of exotic disease incursions. Our institute is responsible for the following diagnostic procedures: serological detection of antibodies against swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV), as well as nucleic acid testing for African swine fever virus (ASFV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), Senecavirus A (SVA), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and swine influenza virus (SIV). Furthermore, we perform confirmatory testing for brucellosis, foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) to ensure that imported breeding pigs do not constitute a pathway for disease introduction. According to the statistical results, in 2025, testing of breeding pigs imported from Canada identified 47 cases in which swine influenza virus nucleic acid was detected and 6 cases in which antibodies to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) were detected, while all other test results were negative. The positive animals were handled by the Agency in accordance with border quarantine regulations, and environmental monitoring for swine influenza virus nucleic acid was conducted in the quarantine holding facilities, with a total of 94 samples collected, all of which tested negative. Our laboratory has obtained 16 accreditations under TAF ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (CNS 17025:2018), demonstrating our technical proficiency and quality assurance capabilities. In the future, we remain committed to supporting national quarantine policies by continuing to conduct diagnostic testing of imported breeding pigs and by engaging with the swine industry to promote farm biosecurity.
Establishment and Development of Detection Techniques for Riemerella anatipestifer in Waterfowl
Yen-Ping Chen
Abstract
Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is a common bacterial pathogen in waterfowl and can cause neurological signs, respiratory symptoms, joint swelling, and polyserositis, which may lead to varying degrees of mortality. This work establishes a complete and practical RA detection and analysis workflow that includes bacterial isolation, biochemical testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence analysis, and serotyping, providing a reliable identification tool for both clinical and research applications. In addition, RA isolates collected in Taiwan from 2015 to 2024 were reviewed, and several local novel serotypes were identified, offering useful references for epidemiological surveillance and vaccine serotype selection. This work also develops an RA quantitative PCR assay for bacterial load estimation and growth-phase evaluation to assist in determining appropriate antigen collection timing. Overall, this work integrates RA identification procedures, a serotype database, and bacterial quantification methods, which can be applied to clinical diagnosis, epidemiological monitoring, vaccine development and quality control of manufacturing process, thereby supporting waterfowl disease management and biosafety in the industry.
Report of participation in the 22nd International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish
Yi ping Lu
Abstract
This report summarizes our participation in the 22nd International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish (EAFP), held from August 31 to September 5, 2025, at the International Cultural Conference Center in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The event was hosted by the EAFP and co-organized by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture (IMBBC). The primary objective of this mission was to present research findings on aquatic animal diseases, specifically through a poster titled "Partial Validation of Two Real-Time PCR Detection Methods for Decapod Iridescent Virus." Our participation aimed to enhance Taiwan's visibility in the international academic community, facilitate knowledge exchange with global researchers, and establish collaborative relationships. Attending the symposium provided critical insights into new international developments in the management of fish, shrimp, and shellfish diseases, as well as an understanding of current global epidemic situations, thereby broadening the scope of our domestic research development. Key observations from the conference highlighted the significance of international and inter-institutional collaboration in developing innovative solutions for disease prevention, diagnostic technologies, therapeutic drugs, vaccines, health management, and animal welfare in aquaculture—areas that are worthy of emulation in Taiwan. It is recommended that Taiwan continues to actively support researchers attending this international conference and invites international aquatic animal experts for reciprocal exchanges. Such engagement will help establish international networks, foster collaborative research initiatives, ensure alignment with international standards, and ultimately enhance Taiwan's global influence and visibility in this field.