South Korea Confirms Fourth ASF Outbreak, Expands Nationwide 48‑Hour Pig Farm Standstill
Updated (3 articles)
Outbreaks Accelerate Across Multiple Provinces South Korea reported its fourth African swine fever (ASF) case on Jan 27 at a Yeonggwang County farm housing roughly 21,000 pigs, following earlier detections in Gangneung (Jan 17), Anseong, and Pocheon earlier this month [1]. The virus has moved from the eastern Gangwon Province into central Gyeonggi and now southwestern Jeollanam‑do, breaching zones previously deemed low‑risk [1][2]. Cumulative reports indicate at least four farms infected within a ten‑day span, highlighting rapid geographic spread [1][2].
Government Orders Nationwide 48‑Hour Standstill and Culls Authorities imposed a countrywide 48‑hour halt on all pig‑related activities, extending the restriction beyond the local zones cited in earlier reports [1]. In Anseong, 2,600 pigs were culled as a preventive measure, while the Yeonggwang farm faces mandatory culling of infected animals under the new order [2][1]. Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok directed emergency containment and an epidemiological probe to identify transmission pathways [2].
ASF Remains Lethal to Swine, No Vaccine Available African swine fever does not infect humans but is almost always fatal to pigs, causing severe losses for producers [1][2]. Both articles stress the absence of an approved vaccine or therapeutic remedy, leaving biosecurity, culling, and movement bans as the only control tools [1][2]. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs warned that the disease’s spread into previously safe areas marks an unprecedented escalation [1].
Economic and Regulatory Implications Intensify The Ministry urged intensified quarantine, disinfection, and cooperation from local authorities and livestock groups to curb further spread [1]. Nationwide enforcement of the standstill and culling orders aims to protect the pork industry, which could face significant supply disruptions if the outbreak expands [1][2]. Officials highlighted that the current situation is “more serious than ever,” prompting stricter oversight of pig farms across the country [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: South Korea Confirms Fourth African Swine Fever Outbreak, Expands Nationwide Controls: Details the latest Yeonggwang farm case, nationwide 48‑hour standstill, and Ministry warnings about escalating spread .
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[2]
Yonhap: South Korea reports second African swine fever case, triggers cull in Anseong: Covers the Anseong outbreak, 2,600‑pig cull, local standstill, and Prime Minister’s containment orders .
Timeline
Nov 2025 – South Korea experiences an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak at a pig farm in Dangjin, marking the last confirmed case before a two‑month disease‑free period; the incident underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s pork sector and the absence of a vaccine or cure [3].
Jan 17, 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirms ASF at a Gangneung farm in Gangwon Province, detecting the virus in 29 of 32 dead pigs; authorities cull 20,000 pigs and impose a 48‑hour standstill on farms in six neighboring jurisdictions, while quarantine workers secure the site to block movement of animals and products [3].
Jan 17, 2026 – Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok orders emergency containment and an epidemiological probe, directing rapid culling, access restrictions, and intensified disinfection to prevent further spread [3].
Jan 23, 2026 – A second ASF case is confirmed at an Anseong farm in Gyeonggi Province, prompting the culling of 2,600 pigs and a localized 48‑hour standstill covering Anseong, Pyeongtaek, and Yongin; the Prime Minister again orders containment measures and a thorough investigation into the outbreak’s cause [2].
Jan 23, 2026 – The government reports that the Gangwon Province case detected the previous Saturday (Jan 17) was the nation’s first in two months, ending a brief hiatus and highlighting the virus’s resurgence [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – South Korea confirms its fourth ASF case of the year at a Yeonggwang County farm housing about 21,000 pigs; the Ministry expands the 48‑hour standstill to a nationwide order affecting all pig farms and related facilities, effective through the following Wednesday [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – The Ministry warns that ASF is spreading to previously safe areas, calling the situation “more serious than ever” and urging intensified quarantine, disinfection, and cooperation from local authorities and farmers [1].