On January 17, South Korea’s Central Accident Management Headquarters (led by Minister Song Mi-ryeong) confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) at a pig farm in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, housing over 20,000 pigs. On the same day, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was detected at a poultry farm in Cheonan, Chungnam, with more than 82,000 birds. These outbreaks mark the first ASF case in Gangneung and the 36th avian influenza case this winter, raising concerns about the spread of animal diseases during the high-risk winter season. The government convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and reinforce containment strategies.
In response to the ASF outbreak, authorities dispatched rapid response and epidemiological teams to the Gangneung farm, immediately restricting access and beginning the culling of 20,150 pigs—less than 0.17% of the national pig population, minimizing supply impact. A 48-hour standstill order was issued for pig farms and related facilities in six nearby cities and counties, while 33 disinfection vehicles were deployed to sanitize 43 farms and surrounding roads. Intensive clinical and epidemiological testing is underway at 10 farms within a 10km radius, 27 epidemiologically linked farms, 848 slaughterhouse-linked farms, and 312 related vehicles.
For the avian influenza case, the Central Accident Management Headquarters enforced emergency protocols at the Cheonan farm, including immediate culling and movement restrictions. A 24-hour standstill was ordered for poultry farms and facilities in Cheonan and five adjacent cities and counties. Detailed inspections are being conducted at 36 farms within a 10km radius, and nationwide disinfection efforts are targeting migratory bird habitats, streams, and farm access roads. The government has extended one-on-one monitoring for large layer farms and high-risk areas until January 31, and allocated KRW 1.6 billion for emergency biosecurity support.
Vice Minister Kim Jong-gu urged local authorities to thoroughly inspect and reinforce disinfection and access controls, especially as Gangneung faces its first ASF outbreak. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to enhanced biosecurity protocols, including extended monitoring of eggs, feed, and manure at poultry farms. The government also called for increased education on winter disinfection practices, highlighting January as a critical period for both ASF and avian influenza outbreaks. Continued vigilance and compliance with basic containment measures are essential to prevent further spread.