The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, through its Central Accident Response Headquarters, has responded to recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The policy aims to prevent further spread of these animal diseases by implementing strict biosecurity protocols and emergency response measures. ASF was confirmed at a pig farm in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, while HPAI (H5N1) was detected at a layer farm in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do. These outbreaks have prompted immediate action to safeguard the livestock industry and public health.
The impacted parties include pig and poultry farmers, local governments, and related agricultural facilities in the affected regions. Specifically, 3,500 pigs at the Yeoncheon farm and 13,000 layers at the Bonghwa farm are subject to culling and containment. The outbreaks represent the 22nd ASF case in 2026 and the 52nd HPAI case in the 2025/26 winter season, with Bonghwa experiencing its third HPAI incident. Local authorities, epidemiological teams, and biosecurity units are actively involved in the response.
On March 4, 2026, immediate measures were enacted, including dispatching response teams, restricting farm access, and issuing 24-hour standstill orders for affected facilities. Emergency inspections and mass culling began promptly, with ongoing disinfection of farms and surrounding roads. Enhanced surveillance, clinical and precision testing, and movement restrictions are being applied to farms within a 10 km radius and to epidemiologically linked facilities. Nationwide, all pig farms are being informed of the ASF situation, and poultry farms are subject to intensified inspections and disinfection protocols.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the impact on pork and egg supply? The culling affects less than 0.02% of the national pig population, so supply disruption is expected to be minimal. What actions should farmers take? Farmers must comply with movement restrictions, participate in mass inspections, and follow strict biosecurity guidelines. Why are these measures necessary? The proximity to wild boar populations and migratory birds increases the risk of disease transmission, making comprehensive containment essential. How long will restrictions last? Standstill orders and enhanced inspections are scheduled through mid-March, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s rapid and coordinated response to the ASF and HPAI outbreaks reflects strong policy leadership and effective crisis management. The use of mass culling, standstill orders, and targeted inspections is based on epidemiological risk and aims to prevent wider transmission. The government’s focus on both local containment and nationwide vigilance, along with transparent communication, is likely to mitigate supply disruptions and protect public health. Continued strict adherence to biosecurity protocols will be essential for ongoing disease control.