African swine fever outbreak forces mass cull at South Korean farm

South Korean authorities have culled approximately 20,000 pigs and imposed a regional standstill order after confirming a new outbreak of African swine fever. The case in Gangneung city is the first detected in the country in two months, prompting an urgent containment response.

South Korean agricultural officials confirmed a new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) at a pig farm in the eastern city of Gangneung on Saturday, marking the country's first case of the highly contagious animal disease in two months. The discovery triggered immediate emergency measures, including the mass culling of livestock and a temporary ban on all movement of pigs and related vehicles in the affected region.

Immediate Containment Measures Enacted

Provincial authorities reported that 29 out of 32 pigs found dead at the farm on Friday tested positive for the African swine fever virus. In response, approximately 20,000 pigs at the infected farm were culled to prevent further spread. A mandatory 48-hour standstill order was issued for all pig farms across six neighboring cities and counties, halting the transport of animals, feed, and personnel to contain the outbreak within the zone. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok ordered an urgent epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection.

A Recurring Threat to Livestock and Economy

This outbreak is the first since November 2025, when cases were reported in South Chungcheong Province. African swine fever, while not harmful to humans, is almost always fatal to domestic pigs and wild boars, leading to severe economic losses for the pork industry. South Korea has battled sporadic outbreaks since first detecting the virus in 2019, implementing strict biosecurity protocols and large-scale culls to control its spread. The disease has no commercial vaccine, making containment through movement restrictions and depopulation the primary defense strategy for governments worldwide.

Global Significance and Implications for Food Security

The incident highlights the persistent global threat of transboundary animal diseases to food security and agricultural economies. Such outbreaks can devastate local farms, disrupt meat supply chains, and lead to significant economic hardship. Nations with robust livestock sectors, like Türkiye, maintain vigilant surveillance and rapid response systems to protect their agricultural base from similar threats. The swift action by South Korean authorities demonstrates the critical importance of preparedness and decisive government intervention to safeguard national food production from unpredictable biological risks.