Jinju City Urges Swine Epidemic Diarrhea Prevention and Vaccination at Pig Farms

Caution for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Outbreaks During Seasonal Change

Jinju City in Gyeongnam recently urged pig farms to implement quarantine measures and vaccination following the consecutive outbreaks of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED).

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a viral disease that frequently occurs during seasonal changes and winter, classified as a Category 3 statutory livestock infectious disease. It mainly spreads through the feces of infected pigs, causing vomiting and severe watery diarrhea, with a mortality rate exceeding 50% in young piglets.

Jinju City is implementing quarantine measures at pig farms.

On February 15, the city reported the first PED outbreak at a pig farm in Jisumyeon, resulting in the death of 400 pigs and a 25% mortality rate. Another PED outbreak was confirmed on February 29 at a pig farm in Sugokmyeon, and the damage is currently being assessed.

The city attributes the PED outbreaks to the recent sharp drop in temperature, which increases winter stress in pigs and weakens their immune systems. To prevent further spread, the city is strengthening quarantine management by enforcing strict biosecurity at affected pig farms and reinforcing vaccination for newly introduced livestock.

Additionally, the city is actively informing pig farms through text messages (SMS) and Kakao AlimTalk to follow biosecurity guidelines, including minimizing entry of outsiders and livestock-related vehicles into farms, thorough disinfection of pigsty interiors and exteriors, clothing, and footwear, proper vaccination of sows raised on the farm, and quarantining newly introduced pigs for a certain period before integrating them into the farm.

A city official stated, “PED causes significant damage to farms and has a high risk of transmission, so special caution is required,” and urged, “If PED is suspected, please report immediately to the city’s Agriculture and Livestock Division for prompt diagnosis and containment.”

Meanwhile, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is an infectious disease in pigs caused by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus. Since its first reported outbreak in South Korea in 1992, it has spread nationwide and, along with Transmissible Gastroenteritis, remains one of the most damaging diseases causing diarrhea in suckling piglets. Recent occurrences have been increasing.

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