Biological Select Agents and Toxins Management in Taiwan: From Past to Present

Introduction: Before 2016, there were no specific regulations or guidelines for the management of biological select agents and toxins (BSATs) in Taiwan. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control responded to the global health security agenda in 2016 and made use of the Joint External Evaluation tool: International Health Regulations to evaluate Taiwan's epidemic prevention system capacities, including BSAT management. For technical areas that did not meet the highest requirements, the regulations and guidelines are now in place to strengthen the management of BSATs. Methods: In 2017, a survey on the BSAT entities management status in Taiwan was conducted to understand the gap between BSAT practice and international policies, and to improve BSAT management based on the findings. Results and Discussion: After 3 years of promotion, relevant management regulations and supervision mechanisms have been established. In 2021, the evaluation will be conducted again and it is expected that Taiwan's BSAT management capacity will reach the level of international biosafety and biosecurity.