Fourth ASF Case Confirmed in Yeonggwang County
South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed the country's fourth case of African Swine Fever (ASF) this year on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The latest outbreak was detected at a pig farm in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, which houses approximately 21,000 pigs. This development has led authorities to significantly step up containment measures across the nation.
Rapid Succession of Outbreaks in Early 2026
The confirmation in Yeonggwang follows a series of earlier ASF cases in January 2026. The first case of the year was identified in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, where approximately 20,150 pigs were culled to prevent further transmission. Subsequently, a second case emerged in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, leading to the culling of around 2,600 pigs. The third case was reported on January 24, 2026, at a farm in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, resulting in the culling of 7,945 pigs.
Nationwide Containment Measures Activated
In response to the escalating situation, South Korean authorities have implemented stringent measures. A 48-hour nationwide standstill order for all pig farms and related facilities was issued, effective through Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This order aims to restrict the movement of pigs, personnel, and vehicles to prevent the virus from spreading further. Intensive disinfection and quarantine efforts are underway, particularly in the affected regions and within a 10-kilometer radius of infected farms. All pigs at the newly affected Yeonggwang farm are slated for culling.
Impact and Official Response
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and fatal disease for pigs and wild boars, though it poses no threat to human health. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has expressed grave concern, stating that the situation is 'more serious than ever' as ASF is now reaching areas previously considered safe. While the government maintains that the impact on domestic pork supply remains limited, with culled pigs representing less than 0.3% of the total herd, retail prices for pork belly have already seen an increase of 10.56% as of January 20. Authorities are conducting thorough epidemiological investigations to determine the cause of each outbreak and are urging local governments, livestock organizations, and pig farmers to adhere strictly to disinfection and quarantine protocols.
5 Comments
Muchacha
Another outbreak? What are they really doing to stop this? It's clearly not working!
Habibi
It's a difficult balance between protecting the national pig herd and minimizing economic disruption. The current measures are severe but understandable; however, the long-term strategy for preventing future outbreaks, especially in new regions, needs more public discussion.
Donatello
Pork prices jumping already! This is going to hit consumers hard, not just the farmers.
Michelangelo
The assurance that ASF doesn't affect human health is reassuring for consumers, but the rapid increase in pork prices highlights a significant economic vulnerability. More support for affected farmers and strategies to stabilize the market are essential alongside disease control.
Donatello
Better to cull now than risk a total collapse of the industry. A necessary evil.