The city government is already taking active steps to prevent and protect against a possible outbreak of African swine fever. In order to familiarize relevant agencies with disease control measures and relevant tasks, this Office held the "2019 Taichung African Swine Fever Emergency Prevention Exercise" at the Houli Nursery at 2:00 on the afternoon of January 31. This activity was hosted by Deputy Mayor Yang Chiung-ying; participants included central government agencies, Taichung County Reserve Command, Taichung City Military Police Corps, Taiwan Sugar Corp., Taichung Meat Market, Da-an District Meat Market, and the Taichung Pig Raisers Association. Putting full effort into conducting the exercise, relevant city government departments participated in projects and drills reflecting scenarios drafted by the central government, and completed response mechanisms and handling measures geared to boost disease prevention capabilities. Exercise site simulated a pig farm using kitchen waste at a certain location in the Da-an District. Because the kitchen waste was not cooked at a temperature of 90°C for one hour, as required by regulations, African swine fever occurred among pigs at the farm. After a meat market veterinarian discovered the disease and performed notification, the outbreak was tracked back to the pig farm, where samples were taken and confirmed the disease. Transport controls were imposed, all pigs at the farm were culled and buried, disinfection work performed, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) established. At the conclusion of the exercise, Deputy Mayor Yang led all participating colleagues in pledging their determination to protect against African swine fever in Taichung. According to the Health Inspection Office, preventing diseases is like fighting a war, and permits no carelessness. Apart from reinforcing disease prevention readiness measures, relevant government agencies must have long-term psychological preparation in the fight to repel African swine fever. In addition, pig raisers must be absolutely sure to take part in and cooperate with disease prevention measures. To ensure prompt handling and control, pig raisers must quickly notify disease prevention agencies if they discover suspected cases of African swine fever. If pig raisers conceal cases and fail to perform notification, under the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease, they will be subject to fines of up to NT$1 million, and receive no compensation for pigs that must be culled. We also call on city residents to remain vigilant and support this effort to keep African swine fever out of Taiwan. No cases of African swine fever have as yet been reported in Taiwan. This disease only affects pigs, and cannot be transmitted to humans. All domestically-produced pork must come from approved slaughterhouses, where inspection and testing by veterinarians ensures a high level of safety. As the major traditional holidays approach, the Health Inspection Office consequently reminds city residents that they can consume domestically-produced fresh pork or processed pork products with peace of mind. We also call on everyone to support pig raisers performing effective disease prevention measures and producing superior pork.