1. Agriculture council agency joins 2 world bodies using name Taiwan

The Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI) under the Council of Agriculture has successfully joined two world bodies using Taiwan instead of the nation's official name, the Republic of China, as its designation. In a social media post, Chen said the AHRI has become an official member of the Global Foot-and-Mouth-Disease Research Alliance (GFRA) and the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA) in the name of Taiwan -- reflecting international recognition of Taiwan's achievement in the prevention of animal diseases.

2. World Veterinary Association Congress to be held in Taiwan

Taiwan will host the 38th World Veterinary Association (WVA) Congress in April this year and share its veterinary experience. The Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung said that he welcomes the WVA conference, since it will allow other countries to understand Taiwan's veterinary service system and deepen mutual exchanges and cooperation. Chen said that he also hopes to share Taiwan's experience in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, preventing African swine fever, and controlling other animal epidemics.