Gyeonggi-do Implements ASF Prevention Measures at 1,002 Pig Farms in Northern Region

[Asia Economy (Uijeongbu) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will inspect the quarantine status of 1,002 pig farms in the region for one month until the 10th of next month to prevent the recurrence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in pig farms.

Although ASF has not occurred in pig farms since October 9 last year, ASF outbreaks continue in wild boars near the border area, prompting measures to prevent the spread through wild boars.

During the inspection period, Gyeonggi Province plans to check pig farms' facility standards such as fence installation to block wild boars, slaked lime spraying, and entrance blocking, as well as compliance with basic quarantine rules when entering farms, and will require corrections for any deficiencies.

They will conduct disinfection in the border area, disinfect civilians, soldiers, and wild boar capture personnel traveling to outbreak areas, disinfect vehicles and equipment, and monitor ASF in wild boar carcasses.

With the start of farming activities in spring, they will promote compliance measures such as hand washing, changing boots, and visiting disinfection facilities to about 4,300 farmers entering outbreak areas.

Im Hyo-seon, head of the Animal Quarantine and Hygiene Division of the province, urged, "Active cooperation from livestock-related personnel is necessary for facility inspections and quarantine activities such as repellent and slaked lime spraying to prevent ASF from recurring in farms."

ASF is a viral first-class livestock infectious disease that only affects pigs, with an acute mortality rate reaching 100%. However, since no vaccine has been developed yet, most countries implement culling policies.

In South Korea, ASF first occurred in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on September 16 last year, with a total of 14 cases including 9 in Gyeonggi and 5 in Ganghwa, Incheon, resulting in the culling of 320,502 pigs from 207 farms in Gyeonggi Province alone.

ASF outbreaks continue in wild boars, with 209 cases in Gyeonggi, 1,180 in Gangwon, totaling 389 cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.