WOAH classifies Taiwan as goat pox-free zone: Agriculture ministry

Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) Taiwan has been classified by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as free of goat pox, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Thursday, adding that such recognition will greatly benefit the country's goat farming industry. The WOAH recognition was made public on Dec. 19, about three months after the country, which is designated "Chinese Taipei" by the intergovernmental organization, applied to make the change in designation, the MOA said in a press release. Acting MOA Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said at a press conference that he welcomed such news with "great excitement," noting it is the result of a decade-long effort by Taiwan's authorities and farmers to eliminate goat pox, which was first found in the country in 2008. Chen said the ministry would continue helping goat farmers upgrade their farms and equipment, for example by bringing in cold chain logistics management and milk storage tanks, given that the industry has "huge potential for ...