An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed at a pig farm in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do, the largest pig farming area in South Korea, which marks the third occurrence of ASF in the province since early this month. Following the reported deaths of pigs increasing from two to six in the farm, the owner alerted authorities, leading to the testing of 11 deceased pigs where the ASF virus was subsequently detected in six of them.

In response to the outbreak, the Chungnam Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory has implemented urgent containment measures, including culling of infected animals and travel restrictions for 294 nearby pig farms in a 10km radius. Emergency measures have also been established at 181 related facilities, including feed factories and slaughterhouses, to sterilize and restrict movement, as well as detailed inspections at these sites to prevent the virus's spread.

Chungcheongnam-do is a significant region for pig farming, accounting for over 22% of South Korea's total pig population. As the situation escalates, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs has issued a temporary 48-hour movement prohibition in six cities and counties, including Chungcheongnam-do, affecting 21 municipalities to mitigate any further spread. This outbreak adds to the total of 14 recorded cases of ASF throughout the country this year, underscoring the significant threat ASF poses to the livestock industry.