May 25, 2026

South Korea confirms 24 ASF cases

South Korea has reported 24 confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) as of last week in 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Tuesday, vowing to take actions to prevent further spread of the contagious animal disease.

The cases were reported from seven provinces, including Gyeonggi, Gangwon, South Chungcheong, South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang, between January 16 and March 16, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Of the 24 cases, three were strains previously identified in domestic outbreaks, while 21 were strains originating outside the country, the ministry said.

Notably, ASF genes were detected in six undeclared illegal livestock products, suggesting the possible introduction of external sources of contamination, with three ASF cases that broke out at pig farms in the northern cities of Pocheon and Yeoncheon found to have been caused by transmission from wild boars, it added.

With no further outbreaks reported over the past two months, the ministry lifted standstill orders on related facilities in regions affected by ASF on April 22, but is maintaining a warning alert for 32 cities and counties that are more likely to experience additional cases.

- Yonhap