May 6, 2026

North Korea struck by ASF again

African swine fever (ASF) is spreading again across parts of North Korea in 2026, driving down pig numbers at both state farms and private household operations and sending pork prices sharply higher in local markets.

According to a source in South Pyongan province, the number of breeding sows at farms under the State Livestock Farm Management Bureau, the government agency responsible for overseeing North Korea’s state-run animal husbandry sector, has declined at facilities in Pukchang, Anju, Kaechon and Phyongwon. The reduction in breeding stock has cut the supply of piglets available to private households for fattening, with the result that the number of households raising pigs is now reportedly below 30% of the total, a marked drop compared with the same period last year.

A source citing an official from the State Livestock Farm Management Bureau confirmed that ASF outbreaks are continuing to be reported in Phyongsong, Sunchon and Kaechon as of April 2026.

North Korea first reported an ASF outbreak to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), the international body that monitors animal disease outbreaks globally, on May 30, 2019, disclosing a case in Usi county, Jagang province. The disease subsequently spread nationwide.

Local sources indicate that pork remains difficult to obtain in markets today.

North Korean authorities introduced a number of policies aimed at expanding piglet production through state farms, but the effort appears to have been constrained by shortages of funds, equipment and personnel.

- Daily NK