The Central Accident Response Headquarters (CARH), led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) at a pig farm in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, on February 4, 2026. This marks the seventh confirmed farm case nationwide in 2026, following a report of pig deaths and subsequent testing. ASF outbreaks have shown an increasing trend in recent years, with 7 cases in 2026 compared to 6 in 2025 and 11 in 2024. The CARH convened an emergency meeting with related ministries and local governments to assess the situation and coordinate response measures.
The outbreak directly impacts pig farmers, livestock industry workers, and related facilities such as slaughterhouses and feed factories. Immediate actions include dispatching initial response and epidemiological teams, restricting access to the affected farm, and culling all 2,400 pigs at the site. Nationwide, a 24-hour standstill order was issued for all pig farms, slaughterhouses, and feed factories from 2:30 PM on February 4 to 2:30 PM on February 5, 2026, affecting facility workers and vehicles. Intensive disinfection is being conducted in Changnyeong and eight adjacent cities and counties, covering 303 pig farms and surrounding roads.
Implementation began with rapid deployment of 63 disinfection vehicles and a central mobile quarantine team to oversee culling, burial, and residue management. Emergency inspections are underway for 14 farms within a 10 km radius, 148 epidemiologically linked farms, and 919 slaughterhouse-visited farms, along with cleaning and disinfecting 15 vehicles. Additional measures include prohibiting gatherings among farm workers, banning illegal livestock products, and enhancing monitoring of imported goods and online transactions. Violations of biosecurity protocols may result in reduced compensation and legal action.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the impact on pork supply? The culling of 2,400 pigs represents less than 0.02% of the national herd (11.75 million), so the effect on pork supply is minimal. What penalties apply for delayed reporting? Farms that delay reporting suspected ASF cases may face reduced compensation and legal claims if such delays contribute to disease spread. How can farms protect themselves? All pig farms are urged to strictly disinfect people, equipment, and vehicles entering the premises, comply with biosecurity rules, and promptly report any suspicious symptoms.
South Korea’s rapid response to the Changnyeong ASF outbreak, including mass culling, standstill orders, and enhanced inspections, is grounded in recent experience with rising ASF cases. The policy prioritizes containment and prevention, with clear penalties for non-compliance and delayed reporting. The minimal impact on pork supply is reassuring, but the situation remains serious, requiring continued vigilance and strict biosecurity measures across all pig farms and related facilities.