Establishment

The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan was established on August 1, 1998 in order to consolidate administration in the execu-tion of policies and regulations of animal and plant health inspection and quaran-tine as well as related affairs. Under the Bureau, four branches at Keelung, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung were also set up. The Bureau takes the responsibilities in quarantine services and prevention and control of important animal and plant diseases and pests. It is the goal of the Bureau that a sound system of animal and plant health inspection and quarantine, which also meets international guidelines and standards, will be established. This will not only provide an effective mechanism to prevent and combat damages caused by animal and plant diseases and pests, but also promote the development of Taiwan's agriculture, protect natural resources and safeguard people's health.