South Korea’s Central Accident Management Headquarters, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has announced urgent policies to address new outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF). The measures were triggered by confirmed cases at a cattle farm in Goyang (FMD) and a pig farm in Cheorwon (ASF) in February 2024. The government aims to prevent further spread by strengthening biosecurity, enforcing movement restrictions, and accelerating vaccination campaigns. These outbreaks mark the second FMD case and the eighteenth ASF case nationwide this year. The policy response reflects heightened vigilance due to the proximity of affected farms and the risk of regional transmission.
The impacted parties include livestock farmers, local governments, and related agricultural facilities in Goyang, Cheorwon, and adjacent regions. Specifically, all cattle, goat, and pig farms in affected and neighboring areas are subject to intensified inspections, emergency vaccination, and strict movement controls. Over 1,092 farms and approximately 200,000 animals in Goyang and nearby cities are targeted for clinical checks and urgent immunization. Additionally, pig farms in Cheorwon and three neighboring counties face comprehensive biosecurity protocols, including culling, disinfection, and standstill orders. The government has mobilized 36 disinfection vehicles for FMD and 31 for ASF to ensure thorough cleaning of farms and access roads.
Implementation began immediately after disease confirmation, with movement restrictions issued for 24 hours starting February 20, 2024, in affected cities and counties. Emergency vaccination for FMD is scheduled to be completed by February 27, while nationwide cattle and goat immunization will be accelerated by March 15. ASF containment includes rapid culling, environmental testing, and expanded clinical surveillance of farms and vehicles. Expert teams from the Ministry and the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency have been dispatched to manage on-site biosecurity and epidemiological investigations. The government continues to monitor compliance and promote awareness among producers to ensure effective disease control.
Frequently asked questions include: What actions should livestock farmers take during outbreaks? Farmers must strengthen biosecurity, promptly report suspicious symptoms, and comply with movement and vaccination orders. How are local authorities responding to the outbreaks? Local governments are conducting clinical inspections, enforcing standstill orders, and coordinating disinfection efforts with national agencies. What is the timeline for emergency vaccination and movement restrictions? Emergency vaccination in affected areas will conclude by February 27, and nationwide immunization will be completed by March 15. What resources are being deployed for disease control? The government has mobilized specialized teams and disinfection vehicles to affected regions, and is conducting ongoing inspections and education for farm workers.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s rapid and comprehensive response to recent FMD and ASF outbreaks is grounded in effective disease management principles. The mobilization of emergency vaccination, movement restrictions, and expert teams reflects a high level of preparedness and inter-agency cooperation. The focus on clinical inspections, biosecurity, and education for farm workers is crucial for early detection and containment. These actions, based strictly on the facts provided, are likely to reduce the risk of further outbreaks and protect the nation’s livestock sector.