South Korean authorities have sounded a nationwide alarm after discovering another case of African Swine Fever (ASF). This highly contagious and deadly pig disease was confirmed late Sunday, September 14, at a pig farm. The affected farm is located in Yeoncheon County, which is part of Gyeonggi Province.
This latest incident marks the fifth time ASF has been found in South Korea this year. The previous case was reported just last July, showing a persistent challenge for the country’s pork industry. The Ministry of Interior and Safety quickly confirmed the new infection on September 15, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Following the discovery, officials immediately raised the disease alert to its highest level, a nationwide red warning. They also ordered a complete halt to operations at all pig farms and related facilities in Yeoncheon County and nearby areas. This shutdown will last for 48 hours, ending at 8 PM local time on Tuesday.
Special quarantine teams have been dispatched to the affected region. Their mission is to strengthen disinfection efforts in the surrounding areas. They are also tightly controlling who can enter and leave pig farms in Yeoncheon County. All infected pigs at the site are being culled to prevent further spread of the virus.
Source: Yonhap