ASF Spreads To South Korea

On September 19, 2019, in African Swine Fever, by David Elrod

South Korea announced this week that African swine fever (ASF) has been found at a pig farm near the North Korean border.

South Korean agriculture Minister Kim Hyeon-see told reporters on Tuesday that the country has raised its animal disease alert to its highest level and that 4,000 hogs would be culled in response to the outbreak. The ministry also ordered a nationwide movement ban on hogs and related livestock for 48 hours.

“We will make all efforts to stop the spread of African swine fever through swift disinfection measures,” Kim said.

The outbreak is the first time ASF has been found in South Korea. The South Korean pig population is 11.3 million.

After the outbreak was announced, shares of South Korean chicken producers Maniker and Harim increased nearly 30 percent.