January 20, 2024

South Korea issues emergency directives to combat ASF

In response to the recent outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in South Korea, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo issued urgent directives calling for immediate and effective quarantine measures, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The emergency instructions came after the first ASF case of the year was reported at a swine farm in Yeongdeok county, located 238 km southeast of Seoul. Subsequently, another outbreak was identified at a pig farm in Paju, just north of Seoul.

Han's office confirmed that the Prime Minister has mandated swift quarantine actions and the culling of affected animals at the identified farms. Additionally, he called for the meticulous management of a temporary standstill order imposed on farms around Gyeonggi Province, surrounding Seoul, and those in Cheorwon County, situated 85 km northeast of Seoul.

These directives were issued by Prime Minister Han while he is currently in Switzerland, attending the World Economic Forum.

-       Yonhap News Agency