Taiwan seizes illegal bird flu vaccines amid biosecurity concerns

Taiwan has confiscated 93.6 litres of unapproved bird flu vaccine, highlighting ongoing illegal trade and raising concerns about disease control and livestock sector regulation amid severe penalties for offenders.

Taiwan has seized 93.6 litres of illegal bird flu vaccine, enough for about 100,000 chickens, in the latest sign that unapproved animal medicines remain in circulation despite a nationwide ban. The case matters for poultry producers because the trade carries legal exposure, but also because authorities say improper use could undermine disease control and complicate Taiwan’s biosecurity strategy.

According to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, the haul came after a joint investigation with Yunlin prosecutors and several enforcement agencies into illicit animal drugs. Investigators said the suspect had used a delivery point in Yunlin, and that the seizure followed multiple rounds of surveillance and search operations.

Officials said Taiwan has approved no bird flu vaccine, making its manufacture, import, sale and use unlawful. The bureau said it is still gathering information on vaccine use overseas, including in Europe and the United States, before assessing whether immunisation could ever fit Taiwan’s livestock sector.

The penalties are severe. Those found guilty of making, importing or selling fake or banned animal drugs face up to seven years in prison and fines while livestock operators who use unapproved medicines can be fined, rising sharply for repeat offences.