Has South Korea Confirmed Its First Case of African Swine Fever in Two Months?
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Synopsis
South Korea faces a resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) with a confirmed case in Gangwon Province after a two-month hiatus. The government responds with culling measures and a standstill order to contain the outbreak. With the potential for a nationwide spread, authorities are on high alert to investigate this alarming situation.
Key Takeaways
- First case of ASF in two months confirmed in South Korea.
- Emergency measures include culling of 20,000 pigs.
- Standstill order issued for pig farms in six cities.
- Previous cases were concentrated in Gyeonggi Province.
- Thorough investigation ordered to understand the outbreak.
Seoul, Jan 17 (NationPress) South Korea has reported its first case of African swine fever (ASF) in nearly two months, leading authorities to cull thousands of pigs and implement a standstill order to curb the spread of the virus. The provincial government confirmed that the outbreak occurred at a farm in Gangneung, situated approximately 170 kilometers east of Seoul in Gangwon Province, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Authorities indicated that 29 out of 32 pigs that perished at the site on Friday tested positive for the virus, which is lethal to pigs but poses no threat to human health.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has initiated emergency containment efforts, including restricting access to the location and executing culling operations upon receiving a report regarding the new case.
He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to ascertain the cause of the outbreak.
This marks the first confirmed case in the nation since November, when an outbreak was noted in Dangjin, located in South Chungcheong Province.
To mitigate the virus's spread, officials culled 20,000 pigs at the impacted farm and declared a 48-hour standstill order for pig farms across six neighboring cities and counties.
Previously, in November of last year, the country reported its sixth ASF case of the year at a pig farm in Dangjin, which housed 463 pigs and is recognized for having the largest swine farming capacity in the nation, heightening the seriousness of the situation and increasing the risk of a nationwide outbreak.
Authorities culled 1,423 pigs from the affected farm and adjacent farms run by the same owner and imposed a nationwide 48-hour standstill order for pig farms and related facilities, as confirmed by officials.
All prior five cases of 2025 were reported in the northern region of Gyeonggi Province.
Point of View
This incident underscores the importance of swift governmental response to zoonotic outbreaks. With the potential economic implications for the swine industry and public health considerations, it is imperative that authorities act decisively while ensuring comprehensive investigation and containment efforts.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is African swine fever?
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, leading to severe mortality rates. While it poses no threat to human health, it has significant economic impacts on the pork industry.
How does African swine fever spread?
ASF spreads through direct contact between infected and healthy pigs, contaminated feed, equipment, and clothing. Wildlife like wild boars can also carry the virus.
What are the symptoms of African swine fever in pigs?
Symptoms of ASF in pigs include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs. Infected pigs often die within days.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Authorities are culling infected pigs, implementing standstill orders for nearby farms, and conducting epidemiological investigations to trace the outbreak.
Is African swine fever harmful to humans?
No, ASF is not harmful to humans and poses no threat to human health; however, it has devastating effects on pig populations.
