South Korea detects African swine fever outbreak in Dangjin, culling 5,200 pigs.

The South Korean African Swine Fever (ASF) Center for Response confirmed on February 12th that a new outbreak had occurred at a pig farm with approximately 5,200 pigs in Dangjin City, Chungcheongnam Province. This is the latest development threatening the country's food supply amid rising consumer demand.

Implement emergency disposal and isolation procedures.

Immediately after confirming the outbreak, South Korean health officials deployed a preliminary disease control team and an epidemiological investigation team to the site to strictly control the entry and exit of people and vehicles. According to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), all 5,200 pigs at the farm will be urgently culled to eradicate the disease.

Notably, authorities have issued a 24-hour travel ban on all personnel and vehicles at livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and animal feed factories in Dangjin and surrounding areas such as Seosan and Yesan. Disinfection efforts are being intensified along key routes and border areas to prevent the virus from spreading widely.

Risk of pork price fluctuations towards the end of the year.

An outbreak in one of the key pig-farming regions just before the Lunar New Year is raising concerns about supply shortages and price fluctuations of pork in the retail market. The South Korean government is working to control the situation to ensure food stability for its citizens.

In addition, the ASF Steering Committee has sent urgent requests to localities, requiring the rapid culling and in-depth inspection of high-risk areas. Livestock farmers are advised to strictly adhere to hygiene rules and to avoid areas where wild boars are present to prevent cross-infection.