South Korea is facing an unprecedented challenge as three major livestock diseases spread simultaneously. African swine fever (ASF), highly pathogenic avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease have all reached critical alert levels. Local media report that the government has extended its special quarantine period through March, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Rising cases and economic strain
The outbreaks have escalated quickly. ASF has surged to 22 cases in just over two months, nearly triple the annual average between 2019 and 2025. Foot-and-mouth disease has also reappeared, with three confirmed cases this year. Avian influenza has struck 56 poultry farms this winter, surpassing last year’s 49 cases.
The economic impact is already visible. More than 150,000 pigs have been culled, four times last year’s figure. Wholesale pork prices are forecast to rise 3.3%. Poultry losses are also severe, with 9.8 million laying hens culled, the highest in five years. Daily egg production is expected to fall 5.8% compared with last year.
Pressures on food supply
South Korea’s food supply is under significant pressure as the outbreaks deepen. Pork production has been hit hardest, with more than 150,000 pigs culled in recent months. This figure is four times higher than last year’s losses, signaling a sharp contraction in domestic supply. Wholesale pork prices are projected to rise 3.3%, a change that could ripple through consumer markets and food service industries.
Egg production is also under strain. The culling of 9.8 million laying hens—the highest in five years—has reduced daily output by 5.8% compared with last year. This decline is expected to affect household consumption and bakery demand, where eggs are a staple ingredient.
Taken together, these losses highlight the vulnerability of South Korea’s livestock sector. The sharp reduction in pig numbers, rising pork prices, and shrinking egg supply underscore how disease outbreaks can quickly translate into higher costs and reduced availability of essential food products.
Feed contamination raises alarm
Local media also highlight a new dimension of risk. ASF virus genes were detected in pig feed ingredients, raising fears of wider transmission. Authorities suspect infected pig blood entered the feed supply chain. In response, 490.5 tons of potentially contaminated feed were recalled and destroyed. Nationwide inspections of pig farms are underway, alongside testing at 64 slaughterhouses.
This discovery adds urgency to containment efforts. Reports emphasize both the scale of outbreaks and the contamination risk within feed production. Together, they reveal a worsening crisis that demands strict biosecurity and rapid government intervention.