South Korean authorities are battling a renewed outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), prompting emergency measures including mass culls and strict movement controls. The latest confirmations of the highly contagious virus, which does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs, have triggered a national response led by Prime Minister Kim Min Seok.
The most recent case, reported today, , concerns a pig farm in Boe령, South Chungcheong Province, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office. This follows earlier outbreaks confirmed in January, initially in Gangwon Province and subsequently in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The Prime Minister has ordered the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry to implement emergency action plans, including access control to affected farms, the culling of infected animals, and intensive disinfection procedures.
The initial resurgence of ASF in South Korea was detected on , marking the first case in nearly two months. At the farm in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, approximately 20,000 pigs were culled in an effort to contain the spread. A 48-hour standstill order was immediately imposed on pig farms in six adjacent cities and counties, restricting the movement of pigs and related vehicles.
A second case was confirmed on , at a farm in Anseong, located approximately 65 kilometers south of Seoul. Authorities responded by culling 2,600 pigs at that location and extending the 48-hour standstill order to include Anseong and neighboring areas such as Pyeongtaek and Yongin. The swift action underscores the government’s determination to prevent a wider epidemic.
Prime Minister Kim Min Seok has emphasized the need for a thorough epidemiological investigation to determine the origin of the outbreaks. He has also directed the Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry to focus on managing wild boar populations, as these animals can act as carriers of the virus. This includes monitoring wild boar activity near affected farms, searching for carcasses, and intensifying capture efforts. The Prime Minister also called for urgent checks and reinforcement of fencing around pig farms to prevent contact with wild boar.
The government is urging pig farmers across the country to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols. These include thorough disinfection of farm premises, controlling access for visitors, prohibiting the import of illegally sourced animal products, and requiring the use of dedicated footwear when entering pigsties. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of further transmission.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. While it poses no direct threat to human health, the economic consequences of outbreaks can be significant due to the need for mass culling, trade restrictions, and disruption to the pork industry. There is currently no vaccine or cure available for the disease, making strict biosecurity and rapid response measures crucial for control.
The recent outbreaks come after a period of relative control in South Korea. The previous case detected was in November, at a farm in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province. The re-emergence of ASF highlights the ongoing challenges in preventing the spread of this disease, particularly given the presence of wild boar populations and the potential for illegal movement of pigs and pork products.
The government’s response is focused on containing the outbreaks within the affected areas and preventing further spread to other regions. The 48-hour standstill orders are a key component of this strategy, limiting the movement of pigs and potentially infected materials. The intensive culling operations, while drastic, are considered necessary to eliminate the virus from infected farms and prevent it from spreading to neighboring herds.
Authorities are also working to raise awareness among pig farmers about the importance of biosecurity measures and early detection of the disease. Regular monitoring and testing of pig populations are essential for identifying new cases and implementing timely control measures. The Prime Minister’s office has stressed the importance of cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, and the farming community in tackling this challenge.
