South Korea declares “red alert” after new ASF outbreak: over 1,400 pigs culled

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South Korea has issued the highest “red” alert level for animal disease threats after confirming the country’s sixth case of African swine fever (ASF) this year on a pig farm in the city of Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province. The report comes from Yonhap News Agency, citing the Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH).

According to authorities, 1,423 pigs were immediately culled at the affected farm and at nearby facilities owned by the same operator. This marks one of the largest emergency culls in the region in recent months.

The government has imposed a 48-hour standstill on all pig farms, slaughterhouses, and related facilities nationwide. The goal is to halt animal and personnel movement as much as possible to reduce the risk of further virus transmission.

Officials noted particular concern because the previous five ASF cases in 2025 were concentrated in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, while the latest outbreak has occurred in South Chungcheong — the region with the largest swine population in South Korea.

“The situation has become significantly more serious, as this is the first case this year in the country’s key pig-farming region. This raises the risk of a nationwide spread,” a Ministry of Agriculture official said.

Authorities announced they will mobilize all available resources, including enhanced laboratory testing, disinfection efforts, and expanded surveillance of pig farms, to prevent additional infections.

ASF remains one of the most serious threats to South Korea’s pig sector, which is once again facing an active season for the virus, typical during the colder months.


PigUA.info based on aa.com.tr

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