A third pig farm in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, has tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), prompting authorities to implement a selective culling policy targeting only infected animals. This follows confirmation of FMD at two other farms in the region, escalating concerns over a nationwide outbreak that has seen a surge in cases of FMD, avian influenza and African swine fever (ASF).
Unlike the second confirmed case in Muan, where a broader response was initiated, the latest outbreak at the third farm will see only pigs testing positive for the virus being culled, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This approach is based on the fact that the affected pigs did not exhibit typical FMD symptoms and had received emergency vaccinations, with immunity developing within the expected timeframe. The decision reflects a shift in strategy, though past instances of partial culling have been criticized for potentially prolonging outbreaks.
Nationwide, South Korea has recorded 46 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, 17-18 cases of African swine fever, and two cases of foot-and-mouth disease since November of last year. The recent detection of ASF genetic material in feed ingredients has added a new layer of complexity to the situation, leaving farmers concerned about the source of the virus. “We never imagined the virus could be found in feed,” said one pig farmer, expressing frustration over the expanding scope of the crisis and questioning the ability of farms to ensure feed safety.
The Korean Pork Producers Association has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the feed contamination, but the situation is raising questions about supply chain security and the potential for wider dissemination of ASF. The government is currently implementing measures including movement restrictions, culling, disinfection, and intensive testing in an attempt to contain the spread of the diseases. Recent testing of vaccine strains used in the Yeongam region showed a good match, with an r1 value exceeding 0.3, suggesting a lower risk of widespread transmission, though results are still preliminary.
The central government, along with local authorities, is focusing on controlling the outbreaks at the farm level, implementing movement restrictions and emergency disinfection protocols. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has not yet announced any further changes to national biosecurity measures beyond the ongoing response efforts. The situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to monitor for new cases and assess the effectiveness of current containment strategies.
