July 8, 2024

South Korea orders emergency measures amid new ASF cases

South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed officials to implement emergency containment measures following the confirmation of additional African swine fever (ASF) cases at a swine farm in a southeastern county, Yonhap News Agency reported.

This directive was issued after the sixth case of ASF this year was confirmed at a farm housing approximately 900 swine in Yecheon county, located 161 km southeast of Seoul.

Han ordered authorities to undertake relevant actions, including culling, issuing a standstill order, and conducting an epidemiological analysis, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

A standstill order has been enforced in Yecheon and six other nearby counties and cities, including Andong and Yeongju, effective through 6 am Monday.

Authorities plan to carry out an epidemiological investigation, cull the pigs at the affected farm, and disinfect the site along with nearby roads.

The agriculture ministry stated that the culling is not expected to affect the supply of pork in the local market, as the farm in question accounts for just 0.008% of the total pig population in the country.

-      Yonhap News Agency