South Korea’s Central Disaster Management Headquarters for African swine fever (ASF) on January 24 confirmed ASF at an 8,500-head pig farm in Pocheon, Gyeonggi.
Following the confirmation, authorities dispatched a quarantine team and an epidemiological investigation unit to the site. Their immediate task was to restrict access by outsiders and vehicles. Plans were also announced to cull all pigs at the farm to prevent further spread.
Movement ban and disinfection efforts
Emergency measures were swiftly introduced. The headquarters imposed a temporary ban on workers and vehicles entering or leaving livestock facilities, including pig farms and slaughterhouses, across eight nearby cities and counties.
At the same time, intensive disinfection operations were launched in the affected area. These measures aim to block transmission routes and reduce the risk of ASF spreading further.
Call for cooperation
“To prevent the spread of ASF, related agencies and local governments should make all-out efforts on quarantine measures such as culling, precise testing, and intensive disinfection,” the headquarters said.
“Pig farmers should disinfect inside and outside their farms, refrain from entering areas where wild boars appear, and follow basic quarantine rules such as disinfection and changing boots when entering barns.”