February 24, 2026

 

Livestock disease outbreaks keep South Korean authorities on high alert

 

 

Animal disease authorities in South Korea are on heightened alert as outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), and highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) continue to be reported across the country.

 

The Agriculture Ministry said February 20 that 65 cases of major livestock infectious diseases have been confirmed since November 2025: 46 cases of highly pathogenic AI, 17 of ASF and two of FMD.

Officials are focusing on movement bans, emergency disinfection, and culling at affected farms. Concern is particularly high over ASF as no vaccine exists, leaving strict biosecurity as the only defense.

 

In North Gyeongsang, highly pathogenic AI was confirmed at layer farms in Bonghwa on February 6 and February 12, and at a duck farm in Seongju on February 10. With an additional case confirmed in Bonghwa on February 19, authorities have been carrying out emergency culling of poultry and conducting detailed inspections and disinfection checks of related vehicles and facilities.

 

South Chungcheong recorded four cases within a month starting in Cheonan in December 2025, with additional cases reported in Boryeong, Asan, and Dongnam District in Cheonan. Another case was confirmed at a layer farm in Yesan on February 6, and the virus spread to a nearby farm in Sejong City on February 9, prompting intensified efforts to prevent a resurgence.

 

In South Jeolla, AI antigens were detected at a duck farm in Gurye. Authorities culled 29,600 ducks at the farm as well as 46,800 birds at two nearby farms.

 

ASF had stayed off the radar since a case in Dangjin, South Chungcheong, in November 2025, but new cases were confirmed in February in Boryeong, Dangjin and Hongseong. Hongseong is the province's largest pig-farming hub, raising concerns that losses could be significant if the virus spreads further.

 

In Gyeonggi, ASF was confirmed for the first time at a pig farm in Oseong-myeon, Pyeongtaek, which was raising 903 pigs. Hwaseong also reported two confirmed cases, one on February 8 and another on February 19. In Gangwon, suspected cases were reported at two farms in Cheorwon, with detailed testing underway. Previously, about 20,000 pigs were culled in Gangneung following an ASF confirmation in January.

 

In South Gyeongsang, ASF was also confirmed at two pig farms in Changnyeong roughly 10 days apart.

 

FMD was confirmed at a cattle farm in Goyang, Gyeonggi. Culling is underway for 133 hanwoo, Korea's native cattle, that were being raised at the farm, and authorities have imposed movement controls and emergency disinfection within a three-kilometer radius.

 

Authorities have implemented movement restrictions, access controls and intensive disinfection around affected farms and have repeatedly urged livestock producers to follow quarantine guidelines.

 

"Because there is no vaccine for ASF, thorough disinfection and strict biosecurity are crucial," said an official with the South Jeolla provincial government. "Farmers need to strengthen on-site controls, including wearing protective clothing when entering farms and disinfecting at least twice a day."

 

- Korea JoongAng Daily